Kids of parents in prison have a higher risk of mental health problems

Children and teenagers who have a parent in jail may be more likely to have poor mental health, substance abuse issues and poor academics. 

Having a parent incarcerated is the second most common adversity for Minnesota youth, behind living with someone who has a mental illness.

That’s according to the Minnesota Student Survey. It’s an anonymous, statewide survey that happens every three years. It’s been going on since 1989 and current findings show that one in five teenagers in Greater Minnesota reported having at least one parent or guardian who is in jail or prison currently or in the past.

Join MPR News guest host Catharine Richert as she examines efforts in our state aimed at improving the mental health of kids of incarcerated parents, including a pilot program where parents can have video visits with their families. The state also offers parenting education programs inside and outside of jail. 

Guests: 

• Dawn Beck is a public health leader with more than 20 years working in local government. She was six years old when her father was arrested and incarcerated in Minnesota. She has advocated for the voices of children and families impacted by incarceration.

• Rebecca Shlafer is an associate professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. She has a Ph.D. in child psychology and a master’s of public health in maternal and child health. Much of her research is about the developmental outcomes of children with parents in prison.

• Jason Schneider is a behavior interventionist and special education teacher with Rochester Public Schools. He helped organize a pilot program called Joining Forces at John Marshall High School for students with at least one incarcerated guardian.