Program
Jail Brakers is a support group that provides a safe place for children and families to express their emotional reaction to the separation from a family member who has been incarcerated. We embrace a holistic approach to healing and everyone is welcome and treated with respect. Each group meets for twelve weeks. Sessions begin with circle time where members share stories that build confidence and trust. A community dinner is provided to foster friendship and natural supports and is followed with an activity. Activities are experiential, expressive, and creative and are designed to build cohesion and connectedness to reduce isolation. The group provides a sense of community in an otherwise invisible population. Jail Brakers also supports family members of the incarcerated by providing gas cards and assisting with mail postage.
Mission
Our mission is to
provide support to children and their families who struggle with the
stigma of incarceration and the impact that it has on them. Jail
Brakers provides opportunities that give these children and families
a voice and a place to be listened to with respect and compassion. We
foster the development of community resources that more effectively
meet their needs, and seek to raise awareness about their concerns
while fostering hope. Together we address the stigma that
perpetuates the fear, shame and isolation surrounding incarceration.
The following Bill of Rights was developed by the San Francisco Partnership for Incarcerated Parents(SFPIP).
Bill of Rights for Children of the Incarcerated
1. I have the right to be kept safe and informed at the time of my parent’s arrest.
2. I have the right to be heard when decisions are made about me.
3. I have the right to be considered when decisions are made about my parent.
4. I have the right to be well cared-for in my parent’s absence.
5. I have the right to speak with, see, and touch my parent.
6. I have the right to support as I face my parent’s incarceration.
7. I have the right not to be judged, blamed, or labeled because of my parent’s incarceration.
8. I have the right to a lifelong relationship with my parent.
Bill of Rights for Children of the Incarcerated
1. I have the right to be kept safe and informed at the time of my parent’s arrest.
2. I have the right to be heard when decisions are made about me.
3. I have the right to be considered when decisions are made about my parent.
4. I have the right to be well cared-for in my parent’s absence.
5. I have the right to speak with, see, and touch my parent.
6. I have the right to support as I face my parent’s incarceration.
7. I have the right not to be judged, blamed, or labeled because of my parent’s incarceration.
8. I have the right to a lifelong relationship with my parent.