Issue 1, January 2018

 

To m eet the complex needs of children and families, Montanans need reso ur ces; resources that are both practical and have direct benefit s.  This inaugural issue of The Montana Minute provides valuable advice to better educ ate, treat, and ca re for children whose parent(s) have been, or are currently incarcerated. Explaining a parent's incarceration is never easy and it's helpful to know what age-appropriate words to use and how much detail to provide so both young children and older teenagers can understand the family's current circumstances, know that they aren't to blame, and have some skills for dealing with the normal, although upsetting emotions they experience.  Adults also need skills in identifying and reacting to acting out behaviors that children frequently display.   

 

This month's toolkit that focuses on incarcerated parents is housed in our vast library of training module s, podcasts, toolkits, and tip sheets on topics that address the needs of high risk children and families. If you have any suggestions for additional resources, email them to [email protected].     

 

The University of Montana's Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development was established in 2015 to partner with the child protection, health, educational, and judicial systems to develop and deliver educational and training resources to professionals and caregivers statewide. The Center also conducts research that focuses on solving problems that impact children and families. The Center receives support from the University of Montana, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, and School of Social Work.