Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/ElizabethDavies

This report presents interim findings of the Urban Institute's evaluation of the Gang Reduction Program (GRP), a $10 million, multi-year, federal initiative to reduce gang crime in Los Angeles, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; North Miami Beach, Florida; and Richmond, Virginia. The evaluation found substantial variation in collaboration levels among partners in each site, but each site achieved significant implementation successes. The effects of GRP in each site were mixed, and only one site, Los Angeles, showed a significant reduction in crime levels. By late 2007, however, three sites had undertaken significant steps towards sustaining GRP beyond the federal funding period.

In order to better understand the experiences and needs of children with incarcerated parents, Urban Institute researchers sought the perspectives of mentors who work closely with these children. In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in Baltimore, Maryland; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Washington, D.C., researchers convened seven focus groups with mentors of children with incarcerated parents. Discussions focused on the children’s living situations, relationships with their incarcerated parents and other family members, and emotional and behavioral outcomes. Findings reveal considerable variation within this population, including significant differences in the experiences of children with incarcerated mothers and those with incarcerated fathers.

Over 1.5 million children in this country currently have one or both of their parents incarcerated. In addition to the trauma of this loss, these children face tremendous uncertainty in their living arrangements, relationships with loved ones, and family financial stability. Short-term coping responses and heavy stigma are common, both of which may lead to long-term emotional and behavioral challenges. This report reviews the current research on children with incarcerated parents and offers recommendations on how to reduce the negative impact of parental incarceration, with particular attention to the role of supportive relationships with the incarcerated parent and other adults.

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