CLACKAMAS COUNTY CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS FUND (CCCIP)

The Invisible Children – Children of Incarcerated Parents
The Invisible Children – Children of Incarcerated Parents
While an exact number is not known, it is believed at least 20,000 children in Oregon have a parent in prison. These children suffer in many ways and sadly often without sufficient support.
Impact on Children of Incarcerated Parents
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Children may experience delayed development, behavior, and attention disorders.
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Children may struggle with developing secure attachments with others and have poor coping skills as adults.
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Many of the responses to parental absence due to incarceration can be predictors of later criminal behavior.
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Poor parenting skills and parental offending are two of the strongest predictors of children’s criminal conduct.
Because of the trauma experienced by children in this situation, many community organizations have joined together to form the Clackamas County Children of Incarcerated Parents (CIP) Committee. The Clackamas County CIP Committee meets monthly to coordinate efforts to support children affected by incarceration in our community. One such effort is to provide support for their parents, so there can be a successful reunification and a positive home environment for the children. In addition, research has found that 91% of parents who graduate from Parenting Inside Out (PIO), a program sponsored by the CIP committee, report no further involvement with the criminal justice system.
Current Projects
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Mentoring for the children of incarcerated parents (ages 10 to 15)
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Intensive parent PIO education to prepare parents for reunification
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Toolkit for families affected by incarceration who have young children
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Handbook on resources for families affected by incarceration
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Community education about the issues, challenges, and opportunities children of incarcerated parents face
What Can You Do To Help
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Donate
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Volunteer (e.g., mentor a youth of an incarcerated parent, assist with a parenting class)
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Spread the word
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Get informed
For more information, please contact: Samantha Furlow at