Monday, November 10, 1:00-2:30pm (virtual)

Description:

Children of incarcerated parents often demonstrate behavior problems, poor academic performance, and PTSD.  Research has shown that the most effective way to limit these consequences is finding ways for children to maintain a relationship with the parent who is incarcerated.  But how to do this? This Showcase highlights read-aloud programs, coordinated by Maryland libraries in partnership with local correctional facilities, as one way to provide this connection for incarcerated parents and their young children at home. Two examples of literacy programs will be provided by Maryland library practitioners who are currently offering these bonding opportunities. Participants will also learn about the newly enacted Maryland Family Literacy Pilot Program, being administered by the Maryland State Library Agency, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Correctional Education Council. This Pilot program will foster and strengthen family relationships by enabling certain incarcerated individuals to read aloud to their children by preparing a recording of a children's book.

Participants will also hear about prison programs that serve adolescents and will receive foundational information about prison library services and partnership considerations with prison libraries.

There will be time allowed for QA with the presenters and discussion amongst participants about other programs happening or being considered that support connections through literacy.

Learning Objectives -- Participants will be able to:

• Name at least two adverse effects of incarceration that impact children with an incarcerated parent
• Name at least one benefit of literacy programs to the incarcerated parent and also to the child of the incarcerated parent
• Explain at least one unique consideration when partnering with prison regarding library services or programs 

Presenters: 

Tyson Fogel, Librarian, Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents

Karen Earp, Youth Services Manager, Wicomico County Public Library

Sarah Joseph, Anne Arundel County Public Library

CE Hours: 1.5

Registration opens:  July 7

Registration closes:  October 31, 5:00pm.  A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants