Coordinating Council on Children with Incarcerated Parents (CCCwIP)

Where can I get help to take care of a relative whose parent is incarcerated?

Help is available and there are links in the resources section.

There are several places to get help and more information for taking care of child who has an incarcerated parent. Two good places to start are the warm-lines and websites of:

• NYS Kinship Navigating—1-877-454-6463
• The Osborne Association—http://www.osborneny.org

Can a child of an incarcerated parent visit his or her parent in prison?

Yes, visiting between a child and a parent is important to keep and improve the bond during this time of separation and to also prepare for when a parent will return to their family and their community.  Support and information are available and there are links in the resources section.

There are several places to get information: 

• For visitation hours and policies, check the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website and call ahead to be sure your relative is still located at this prison and what the visiting hours are for your travel day.
• To prepare the child for the visit, please check the Sesame Street Workshop.
• For special programs for families in prison such as family visits, summer weeklong visits, parenting workshops and overnight stays, check with NYS DOCCs and a service agency near you for more information.
• For a child in foster care, there are resources for the social worker/case worker at the the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections at the Hunter College School of Social Work and Resources from States.
• For a child living with a relative, Having A Voice and A Choice from the NYS Office on Children and Family Services.