Dear Children of Prisoners Library,
Thank you so much for just existing. I am an ex-offender now working as a Reentry Case Manager. My twins were 3 years old when I was arrested and they witnessed my arrest. I was gone for 9.5 months. I went from being a very involved mom when they were babies to totally checking out due to my drug addiction. My children reacted to my incarceration by regressing. They stopped talking and my daughter was peeing on the floor of the kitchen.
Today, I’ve been home for almost three years and you would never know that a significant trauma had occurred. We were and are fortunate enough to be able to provide play therapy for my children, marriage counseling for me and my husband and individual counseling for myself. While I was incarcerated, I met many people who didn’t have those resources. I feel fortunate and honored to be able to work with many of those people. Right now, I am putting together a workshop on family reunification after incarceration. Your website is invaluable! When I was in jail, I didn’t know these resources existed. I’m so grateful that they do.
Thanks again,
Jennie A.
