About the Episode
America has the world's largest prison population, and 1 in 14 children in the country will experience the incarceration of a parent. Apart follows Lyric, Eric, and Nnadji as they grapple with the incarceration of parents with whom they maintain a deep connection despite physical distance. Meanwhile, other family members take on multiple roles, rallying together to build a supportive foundation and bring hope to their lives. The three children, from disparate parts of the country and with different stories, have one simple thing in common: they want their loved one to return home.
Directed by: Geeta Gandbhir and Rudy Valdez
Apart Resources
The incarceration of a loved one can be overwhelming for children. Perceived stigma can lead to silence—but open and honest conversations can answer kids’ big questions, help them understand that they are not alone, and promote healing. These organizations can offer a place to start.
- We Got Us Now is built by, led by, and about children of incarcerated parents. Their curated list of books for all age groups invites families to learn more.
- The Osborne Association works to prevent and reduce the damage caused by crime and incarceration. They offer a wide range of resources for children of incarcerated parents
- Alliance for Justice for Families is a NY State organization for criminal justice reform that has a family support unit with information on individual and family counseling.
- Hour Children works to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women with children successfully rejoin the community, reunify with their families, and build independent lives.
- Sesame Street in Communities provides free, bilingual resources to help the caring adults in children’s lives guide them through difficult moments with love and support.
Reflection:
1 in 14 American children will experience parental incarceration, and 2.7 million children have a parent in prison right now.
Source: Across Prison Walls, I Felt My Parents’ Love, Chesa Boudin