"Someone to Watch Over Me"

Goal and vision:

To provide the children of recently released parents a safe place, a place to be heard and safe relationships that will enhance and improve their lives.

· In 1995, with a grant from the Institute of Mental Hygiene, the Community Service Center was able to conduct a needs assessment to validate the needs of the children of the incarcerated population.  Funding from the Department of Helath and Human Services has enabled the CSC to begin serviding these children that have "fallen through the cracks."

· Programming

"Someone to Watch Over Me" will provide the children of incarcerated offenders with mentoring opportunities to enhance their life experiences.  This program is the perfect opportunity for children of incarcerated parents to communicate about the disempowering experience of incarceration and separation, as well as the chance to enjoy some fun activities.  Partnering with the faith based community and local universities, this holistic program will encompass not only the child, but also the caregiver and incarcerated indvidual.

· Criteria

The program is open to minor children whose parents have been released from incarceration.  Once the child has enrolled in the program, they will be matched with a mentor who is responsible to interact with the child weekly for at least a one-year period.  Throughout the program, the child, caregiver and other family members aare able to receive services such as case management, crisis intervention, as well as ongoing activities during the program will be provided to enhance the child's mentee experience.

What Can You Do?

The CSC needs the assistance of interested community members to:

· Mentor - must be able to commit to one visit with mentee each week for at least a one-year period.

· Sponsor - support activities that provide the children with cultural enhancement fun.

· Volunteer - offer support to the program, parents and/or guardians.

· Support/Self-help groups are available to the caregivers of incarcerated children.