Our Constantly Updating

Resource Hub For Children of Incarcerated Parents in the DMV

Below is a list of resources available to support individuals and families affected by incarceration. You can search and explore services categorized by type and location.

Resource Name	What Does It Do?	Location	Contact
Children Impacted By Crime Scholarship	This program supports students affected by criminal acts, providing financial aid to help with education costs. Applicants detail how their experiences have shaped their aspirations.	National	[email protected]
Eskew Law Undergrad Scholarship	Eskew Law offers a $1,500 scholarship for children of convicted felons who are pursuing higher education. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay detailing how having a convicted felon as a parent has impacted their life and what they have learned from the experience. To qualify, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary institution.	National	3177932325
Hallam Law Scholarship	The Hallam Law Group offers a $1,000 scholarship for high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen with a parent incarcerated. Applicants must submit an essay describing how their parent’s incarceration has impacted their family and their personal goals.	National	+16022375373
Pullan Young Scholarship	This scholarship is for students impacted by the incarceration of an immediate family member. Applicants write an essay about how this experience has influenced their lives, with selected recipients receiving financial support for their education.	National	[email protected]
ScholarCHIPs	Offers college scholarships and support to young adults with incarcerated parents, aiming to inspire educational success and reduce stigma. Founded in 2010, the organization emphasizes community and mental health resources to help scholars break cycles of incarceration.	National	[email protected]
The Perry Scholarship	This scholarship, supporting women impacted by incarceration (including daughters of incarcerated parents), awards $4,000 to recipients for education at accredited institutions. Applications open yearly.	National	[email protected]
Venus Morris Foundation	The Venus Morris Griffin Foundation provides a $10,000 scholarship to high school seniors in the U.S. with an incarcerated parent. The scholarship supports tuition for college or trade programs, with funds sent directly to the institution. Applicants write about the impact of parental incarceration on their lives.	National	Fill out contact form

Resource Name	What Does It Do?	Location	Contact
Annie E. Cassey Foundation	The Annie E. Casey Foundation explores the profound effects of parental incarceration, revealing that nearly 5 million children in the U.S. have experienced losing a parent to prison. The site highlights the instability, poverty, and emotional challenges these children face, with a focus on addressing systemic issues and supporting affected families. The Foundation advocates for reforms and policies to mitigate these impacts and promote child and family well-being.	National	Fill out contact form
Cure National	Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) is a grassroots organization advocating for criminal justice reform and prison rehabilitation. Founded in 1972, CURE works to ensure that incarceration is reserved for those who truly need it and that prisoners have access to resources to transform their lives. The organization provides tools and information to its members to help them understand and advocate for changes in the criminal justice system.	National	Fill out contact form
Echoes of Incarceration	Echoes of Incarceration is a youth-led documentary initiative focused on the criminal justice system. It trains young people affected by incarceration in video production and advocacy, creating documentaries and journalism from their lived experiences. These projects address issues like parental incarceration and juvenile justice while also raising awareness among stakeholders like police and judges. Participants gain professional skills and produce content for organizations like Sesame Street and Columbia University.	NYC	Contact via Instagram
Every Second FWD	The "Every Second" campaign by FWD highlights the staggering prevalence of family incarceration in the U.S., revealing that 1 in 2 adults has had an immediate family member incarcerated. It underscores the devastating impact of incarceration on families, communities, and the economy, advocating for reforms to reduce mass incarceration and its societal harm.	National	N/A
KidsMates Inc.	KidsMates supports children with incarcerated parents by providing educational resources, advocacy, and a platform to share their stories. The organization works to raise awareness about the challenges these children face and strives to build supportive communities to help them thrive despite their circumstances.	National	[email protected]
Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform	The Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform (MAJR) is a nonpartisan, volunteer-based organization working to reform Maryland's criminal justice system. It advocates for reducing incarceration, addressing racial inequities, and supporting alternatives to prison to build stronger communities. MAJR focuses on policies that reduce recidivism, promote second chances, and use taxpayer funds effectively. It engages in legislative advocacy, community programs, and support for returning citizens.	Maryland	Fill out contact form
The Marshall Project	The Marshall Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan journalism organization focused on the U.S. criminal justice system. Its mission is to raise awareness and drive reform through investigative reporting. Inspired by Thurgood Marshall, it addresses issues like racial inequities, mass incarceration, and systemic flaws. Collaborating with local and national media, it seeks to reach diverse audiences and influence change, while emphasizing fairness, transparency, and humanity in justice reporting.	Maryland	Fill out contact form

Resource Name	What Does It Do?	Location	Contact
A Better Day Than Yesterday	"A Better Day Than Yesterday" is a nonprofit that provides support for at-risk families, particularly those affected by incarceration, divorce, and military deployment. The organization offers mentorship, education, housing assistance, job training, and family counseling to help individuals reintegrate into society, focusing on building resilience and stability. It aims to empower families to overcome challenges and break cycles of adversity.	Virginia	[email protected]
Assisting Families of Inmates	Offers services to strengthen family ties for Virginia inmates and their families, including video visits, transportation for in-person visits, and family support groups.	Virgina	Fill out contact form
B'More Reconnects	B'More Reconnects is a program by the Ruth Young Center focused on supporting children and families impacted by parental incarceration in Baltimore. Funded by a federal grant, the initiative provides parenting skill development, training for correctional officers, and community-based support services to aid family reintegration and reduce trauma. The program works in partnership with local agencies to improve policies and address systemic challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents. For more details, visit their page here.	Baltimore City, MD	[email protected]
Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership	The Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children affected by parental incarceration in Frederick County. Through volunteer-led programs, they provide educational resources, emotional support, scholarships, and community events to help children, caregivers, and incarcerated family members build resilience and access opportunities.	Fredrick County, Maryland	[email protected]
Family Services	Light Health & Wellness offers a range of family services focused on supporting individuals dealing with health and wellness challenges. Their programs include caregiver resources, mental health support, educational assistance, and specialized services for families affected by HIV/AIDS or substance exposure. They aim to foster resilience and improve family wellness through both practical and emotional support.	Montgomery County, MD	[email protected]
Family Support Network	The Family Support Network (FSN) provides a supportive space, resources, and advocacy for families, especially Black women, with loved ones serving long sentences in Maryland. FSN offers support meetings, guidance on navigating the prison system, and advocacy for family rights and prison reform. The network focuses on strengthening community ties and helping families stay connected with their incarcerated loved ones.	Baltimore, MD	[email protected]
Hope House	Provides programs for children and incarcerated fathers, including summer camps, reading programs, and recording messages to bridge the gap during separation.	DC	Fill out contact form
How to Explain Jails and Prisons	A resource offering strategies for caregivers to explain incarceration to children, designed to provide clear, supportive communication	N/A	N/A
Jordan's Quest	Jordan's Quest, Inc. provides educational programs for parents of children ages 0-18, focusing on child development and behavior support. Services are tailored to families facing challenges, including homelessness, co-parenting, and parental incarceration, offered in various accessible community settings.	Virginia-based/DMV	[email protected]
Pivot Program (For Incarcerated Women)	Georgetown University’s program for returning citizens, offering education, training, and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.	Baltimore City, MD	[email protected]
Prison Fellowship (Angel Tree Program)	A Prison Fellowship program that provides Christmas gifts, summer camps, and year-round support to children with incarcerated parents, fostering hope and family connection through local church partnerships.	National	[email protected]
Prisoner Visitation and Support	A volunteer-based organization offering visits and support to federal and military prisoners to alleviate loneliness and isolation.	National	[email protected]
Project Connect	DC Project Connect is an organization supporting families affected by incarceration in Washington, D.C., focusing on family stability as a key factor in successful reentry for former prisoners. Through mentorship, crisis intervention, and volunteer-driven programs, they provide resources and life skills to strengthen family ties and advocate for social justice.	DC	Fill out contact form
The Messages Project	Supports children with incarcerated parents by creating video messages that parents can record in prison and send to their children, fostering connection and maintaining family bonds.	National	Fill out contact form

Resource Name	What Does It Do?	Location	Contact
Big Brothers Big Sisters	Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring children facing adversity. By pairing adult mentors (Bigs) with young people (Littles), the program aims to empower youth, helping them build confidence, improve academic outcomes, and reach their full potential. The organization emphasizes the importance of long-term, one-on-one relationships and fosters supportive networks for both mentors and mentees. .	National	(813) 720-8778
Database of National Resources for COIP	The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI) at Rutgers University is the leading U.S. organization focused on supporting children and families affected by incarceration. The center provides research, policy development, and training to strengthen family support systems. It offers resources such as program directories, research tools, and publications to enhance understanding and practice in working with impacted families.	National	[email protected]
Garden of Hope (Youth & Family Services)	The Garden of Hope Community Development Corporation focuses on providing services to disadvantaged and underserved communities in Hampton Roads. Their programs include financial education, GED/ABE and adult literacy services, youth and family support, housing assistance, and a "Second Chances" program aimed at offering individuals opportunities for a better future. They work to improve quality of life and community betterment through collaboration and outreach.	Virginia	mailto:[email protected]
GiveBack	Give Back is a nonprofit focused on supporting youth who have faced significant barriers to success, including those affected by poverty or adverse life circumstances. The organization provides personalized coaching, career development, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities to help students pursue higher education, complete their degrees, and launch successful careers. Their holistic approach aims to equip students with the tools they need for long-term success.	Maryland	MD Number: 888.383.9877 x714
Mentoring Children of Prisoners	Seton Youth Services provides support for youth in crisis, offering shelters, outreach, and mentoring services in the Hampton Roads area. They assist homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth by providing safe housing, counseling, and educational programs. Their programs also include services for children affected by incarceration, and they focus on family reunification. Seton has been serving the community since 1985, and their initiatives aim to give vulnerable youth the tools they need for a better future.	Virginia	[email protected]
National Virtual Mentoring Program	Project Avary's National Group Mentoring Program offers virtual mentorship for children with incarcerated parents. This program connects youth aged 8-18 with mentors through six weekly online sessions using Zoom. Participants engage in community-building activities, and after completing the program, they may continue with further mentorship or take on leadership roles. The program emphasizes support, fun, and shared experiences to help youth cope with the impact of parental incarceration.	National	[email protected]
Tip Sheet for Mentors: How to Support	The Youth.gov Tip Sheet for Mentors offers guidance for supporting children with incarcerated parents. It highlights the importance of being a positive role model, understanding the challenges these children face, and providing emotional support. Mentors are encouraged to build trust, offer consistent encouragement, and connect youth to additional resources. The sheet also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, open space for the child to express feelings and cope with their experiences.	N/A	N/A
Tip Sheet for Youth: Youth Supporting Fellow Youth Who Have an Incarcerated Parent	The Tip Sheet for Youth Supporting Fellow Youth with an Incarcerated Parent offers guidance on providing peer support. It encourages youth to be empathetic, patient, and non-judgmental, while offering a safe space for sharing feelings. The tip sheet emphasizes the importance of active listening and providing encouragement, and it suggests connecting youth to helpful resources and support networks.	N/A	N/A
UnLocked Project	The UnLocked Project is a student-led initiative that supports teens with incarcerated parents in the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. Through a combination of online resources, peer support groups, and educational sessions, the project helps these teens navigate the challenges they face. They also provide interviews, share resilience stories, and offer a safe community space for connection.	DMV	[email protected]
US Dream Academy	The U.S. Dream Academy's Washington, D.C. location provides after-school programs that offer academic, social, and emotional enrichment for children, particularly those impacted by parental incarceration. The program focuses on mentorship, community outreach, and partnerships with organizations like Georgetown University and Giant Foods to support local youth. The D.C. center is based at Turner Elementary School and offers opportunities for students to engage in various community projects, including helping those experiencing homelessness.	DC and Baltimore	Baltimore: [email protected]
YES Initiative	The Youth Empowerment Source (YES) offers a variety of programs designed to support youth and families. These include the Legacy Program for young adults struggling with employment and education, the Children of Incarcerated Parents (COIP) initiative, and Camp ACTIVATE, which integrates science and athletics. They also provide intervention for youth dealing with truancy through the STRIDE program and foster community engagement with initiatives like the Drug Free Cecil Youth Coalition.	Cecil County, MD	[email protected]
Youth Council	The Osborne Association’s Youth Action Council (YAC) offers a program for youth aged 15-18 with incarcerated parents, focusing on leadership, community involvement, and skill-building. The program includes weekly sessions with field trips, guest speakers, art activities, and opportunities to earn community service credit, all aimed at empowering youth and helping them build resilience. Participants can also gain valuable experience for college or job applications.	NYC (virtual option available)	[email protected]