How Can Churches Support Kids Whose Parents Are In Prison?

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree is a faith-based initiative that aims to help children of prisoners and their families meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through Christ. It is a faith-based initiative that seeks to prevent these precious children from following the same paths that have led to their parent’s incarceration. The first area of focus is the creation and implementation of trainings and programs of direct attention and support for families affected by incarceration.

To support and encourage incarcerated parent/child relationships, churches should connect with local church leaders, friends in the Church, and mental health care professionals. They may also find a community support group. Encourage communication (when appropriate) and encourage children to write letters, send pictures, or suggest books to read to the incarcerated parent.

Working with local social workers to develop prisoner-parent support groups and parent trainings is essential. Families impacted by incarceration often experience financial, emotional, or spiritual stress. Church-based mentors have the capacity to provide support to this population when adequately trained in trauma-informed responses.

Angel Tree reaches out to the children of prisoners and their families, helping to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through Christ. It is a faith-based initiative that seeks to help prevent these precious children from following the same paths that have led to their parent’s incarceration.

In addition to providing Christmas gifts on behalf of incarcerated parents, Prison Fellowship Angel Tree offers other activities such as sending kids to summer camp, hosting sports camps, and hosting phone calls. By working with local churches and community organizations, they can extend hope and support to hundreds of thousands of children impacted by incarceration.