Families doing time…
Art by Wade Aiken, SD Penitentiary
The Effects of Incarceration on Children & Families
In the year 2000 there are over 2 million incarcerated men & women (some as young as 13 years old) in the
USA. Florida prisons & jails house over 70,000. It is estimated that for every one incarcerated person there are at least 5 family members affected...these family
members are the silent & forgotten victims.
In most cases incarceration places the entire family in
crisis.
Children may experience dramatic changes in behavior or personality such as;
becoming extremely shy, exhibiting depression or withdrawn behavior.
Family members may exhibit unprovoked
aggression,
anger, or anxiety. Physical health problems may surface, weight loss or weight gain, constant headaches and other physical symptoms may
occur.
Children of prisoners are 5
to 6 times more likely to become prisoners themselves.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
F.L.I.P. represents the invisible prisoners; forgotten
victims of Florida’s prison system.
There are thousands like you in the state of Florida
faced with these and many other issues:
Emotional destruction of the family
unit.
Separation or divorce.
Parentless children.
Legal issues.
Financial issues.
The purpose of our organization is to help maintain family ties as a prevention of generational incarceration and as a deterrent to recidivism.
Know your local elected public officials. Keep them informed
on issues relating to prisoners and their families.
Get
involved with organizations working to make humane treatment a right.
Attend
meetings and rallies to educate yourself and raise public awareness.
Educate
and encourage others to get involved.
Write
letters to editors, your senators and your representatives. Let them know where you stand on issues relating to prisoners and their
families.
Start your own action/support group.