County Committee Addresses Improved Lives of Children of Incarcerated Parents

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Washington County's Children of Incarcerated Parents Committee (CIPC) will present a report to the community about its four years of progress to improve the lives of children whose parents are incarcerated. The free program will take place at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 E. Main Street in Hillsboro, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 10.

The Committee, working with the Washington County Commission on Children and Families and the Washington County Jail, has formed partnerships and inaugurated services through schools, the county and other providers. In schools, they are helping staff, through their connections at the jail, to identify which children have incarcerated parents and can be helped.

Through the Family Justice Initiative, children and their families receive tutoring, mentoring, counseling and caregivers receive parenting classes. Family legal assistance is available to female incarcerated parents through the Portia Project, which partners with the CIPC.

"When a parent is arrested, children's lives become unstable and frightening," says Louise Bauschard, County Volunteer Coordinator, who serves on the committee. "These children are at a higher risk for behavioral problems and school failure. By taking a strong initiative with these children, we can strengthen them in school and help mend family relationships," she adds.

The program will also feature a portrait documentary, Protective Custody, and an opportunity for members of the community to speak to pressing issues.

For further information and registration, contact Rebecca Matz at 503-846-3409 or at [email protected].

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