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“Children of those who have been incarcerated are five times more likely to go to prison than children of parents who have never been incarcerated. The sins of the father visiting the child.” — Ambassador Sam Brownback
Children are the hidden victims of incarceration. The financial and emotional strain of the family often leads to less attention and fewer resources available, leading loss of family support and involvement. Children who feel a lack of dedication and the atmosphere of rejection within the family, miss out on the experience of a life of love, dedication, and a place to belong.
The impact on children with incarcerated parents is enormous. They are at increased risk for mental health problems and substance use disorders, and face worse intellectual outcomes without an incarcerated family member.
"Strong parental bonds will significantly decrease the chance that the child will commit an act of crime"
- Chris Knoester & Dana Haynie
This sense of abandonment or neglect is often most acute during birthdays. Sadly, in times of family crisis, birthdays are often ignored, turning the Big Day into a day of a day of painful loneliness and shame. By filling one void on this important milestone in a child’s like, we are supporting the family relationship and boosting the child’s sense of self worth and self-esteem.
By promoting psychological and physiological health for incarcerated people and their loved ones, at a time when everyone’s health is otherwise deteriorating, we are helping to make communities healthier. A broken family creates conditions that predispose children to criminal activities, as the lack of support may lead to feelings of rejection, abandonment, conflict, isolation, and even abuse. Ultimately, these conditions have deep implications and may lead to the collapse of the community.
When families are connected,
communities flourish.
“The Happier Birthdays program is the missing piece of the puzzle that connects fathers to their kids.” - Lonnel, Hope House
Happier Birthdays gives incarcerated parents a sense of dignity and an opportunity to act as a provider and nurturer to their children, in a situation where they have deprived of this. Whenever possible, the incarcerated parent contributes to gift suggestion ideas and writes a birthday greeting to be included with the gift.
“Maintenance of family and community ties is positively related to better parole outcomes, fewer disciplinary infractions, and lower recidivism.”
- C F Hairston, Federal Probation
Strong family connections offer people returning home from prison one of the greatest chances for a successful transition.
The impact on incarcerated parents is deep and long-term. Programs that facilitate meaningful contact with family have been shown to reduce in-prison misconduct, and improve mental health, including reduced depressive symptoms — an important intervention for the isolated, stressful experience of incarceration. Longer term, family contact beyond prison walls helps to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
“The Happier Birthdays program is the missing piece of the puzzle that connects fathers to their kids.” - Lonnel, Hope House
When families are connected, communities flourish