ResilientU and Putnam County organizations are partnering to develop a resilience-building intervention for Jr.-Sr. High School Students impacted by parental incarceration. Putnam County, Florida has one of highest incarceration rates in the state, with Black and POC populations impacted the most. Children and adolescents can experience a myriad of negative short term and long term effects after their parent/guardian is incarcerated.
The first aspect of this intervention are weekly after school support groups held in the school library of all 4 putnam county jr.-sr. high schools. The 1 hour sessions will be facilitated by counselors and social workers, with a mentorship aspect for younger students to form positive relationships with peers that have experienced parental incarceration too. These groups will provide coping skills, emotional support and the opportunity to find community. With free meals and transportation home, the support groups will be marketed through postcards sent home from school.
The other aspect of the intervention is a restorative justice summer camp that provides not just childcare but access to conventional activities like art, games and sports. There will also be an educational aspect for restorative justice practices and giving kids the tools to become advocates/activists. The camp will be 8 weeks long and take place at the Palatka Housing Authority's two community centers. Recruitment will be via the support groups and a PSA streamed on Facebook, YouTube and other local news platforms. The theme of this entire project is an opportunity for growth, renewal and community collectivism.
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