This kind of mass incarceration is a uniquely American phenomenon.
For African-Americans and those with poor education, about 60% of those families have an imprisoned member.
Fifteen percent of college-educated white families have someone in jail, but if you’re black, having an education doesn’t affect your risk of going to jail.
The reality of imprisonment is grim. The numbers don’t reflect the true damage.
Having a family member in jail is severely disruptive and impacts the children involved for the rest of their lives.
The children are diagnosed with anxiety, depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Children with incarcerated family members need special attention.
Claudia
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