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Federal grant program connects incarcerated parents to children through classes, videos and community supports
Summary
Presenters from the Department of Corrections and grant subawardees reported early results from the Second Chance Families grant: 201 parents filmed reading to their children, 429 children impacted, and dozens of participants completing nurturing‑parenting classes. Agencies described plans to expand services and map need across the state.
Clint Castleberry of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections described a federal Second Chance Families grant (OVJ/DOL/BJA FY22) that funds services to incarcerated parents and their children. He said the project targets two correctional facilities and works with three subawardees: Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, OK Messages Project, and New Hope Oklahoma.
Shannon Looper of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars said the program has engaged both fathers and children through nurturing‑parenting classes and community troops; she reported 73 participants in a nurturing‑parenting class at one male facility with a 49% graduation rate and ongoing monthly family visits for participants. Denise Daniels of OK Messages Project said the program has filmed more than 200 parents reading books and creating messages that serve as "visits" for children who otherwise lack in‑person contact; she noted 429 children have received videos and books to date. Amanda Maxwell of New Hope Oklahoma described after‑school and summer programs, family resource events, and individualized care supports, and said the group is mapping interest forms to identify service gaps and potential expansion sites.
Commissioners praised the cross‑sector partnerships and asked about growing access beyond metropolitan areas. Presenters said caregiver consent, logistics and transportation remain operational constraints; they described a deliberate enrollment process and emphasized confidentiality and trauma‑informed supports.
The commission received the presentation and thanked presenters for the work; no formal vote was associated with this agenda item.
