CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – There are 26,000 inmates in Ohio who have children under the age of 18. 15% of those are from Cuyahoga County. Children who have an incarcerated parent are more likely to exhibit delinquent behavior; have disciplinary issues at school and are more at risk of ending up incarcerated themselves. A child who maintains contact with a parent, no matter what the circumstances may be, is less likely to have emotional detachment, more likely to have an increase in motivation and to acquire valuable life skills.
The Cleveland Eastside Ex-Offender Coalition’s Reclaiming Our Communities Kidz, called Project R.O.C.K., works to address the trauma a child of an incarcerated parent can face by providing transportation and oversight for minority youth to visit his or her parent. Project R.O.C.K. receives $110,000 in funding from Cuyahoga County through a block grant awarded to the Department of Public Safety and Justice Services.
“We know providing children with emotional, educational and health supports is vital to their future success,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “Programs such as Project R.O.C.K. bring parents and children together, and offer support kids need for a better future.”
To qualify for a visit, a staff member at Project R.O.C.K. contacts the incarcerated parent with the permission of the guardian or legal custodian. Youth are referred through the local police department and a visit is scheduled according to prison policy and procedures.
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