According to research completed in 2002, 850 children in the Sioux Falls area have a parent in prison. Children’s Connection is providing these children with prevention programming to assist them in breaking this cycle of incarceration. These children are seven times more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system then children without a parent in prison.  

Early intervention is the key to prevention. By getting involved with these children before they have an encounter with the criminal justice system Family Connection is improving their odds of success.  

A Bill of Rights has been written for Children of Incarcerated Parents- the sixth right in this bill states: I have the right to Support as I Face my Parent’s Incarceration. Children’s Connection provides this support in the Sioux Falls community.  

Children’s Connection is seeing results- from 2002 through 2007 Family Connection has seen a 600% jump in the number of children attending group. These children have seen a drop in their disciplinary referrals with 82% having less then five referrals for the academic year. On average 70% of the participants in Children’s Connection have seen improvement in their grades that they feel is directly because of the Children’s Connection programming. This is from surveys collected from teachers, parents, and students.  

The Children’s Connection program currently facilitates 30 groups, representing 156 students, in three middle schools and eight elementary schools in the Sioux Falls School District. Additionally, Children’s Connection helps children who have a parent or close family member in prison through periodic family events.

Help For Sioux Falls Area Families
Project Family Connect is a cooperative effort between Family Connection and the Sioux Falls Seminary Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Program. This project provides free counseling for families coping with the stresses associated with imprisonment or reintegration into the family and society after imprisonment. Services are located in the offices of Sioux Falls Psychological at 1410 West 25th Street, Sioux Falls. Appointments can be made by calling (605) 334-2696 and asking for Project Family Connect services.