Mobius Mentors

Mentoring Children of Prisoners

A nationally estimated two million children between the ages of 5 and 18 have a parent who is behind bars.

It is estimated that 80% of the 160 women in Vermont prisons are mothers with an average of two children. This means that the estimated amount of children with an incarcerated mother is 320. With the incarcerated population rapidly growing, this number continues to rise.

Children of prisoners become the unseen victims of their parent's incarceration, rarely getting the support they need. In particular, many children of prisoners do not tell even their closest friends or potentially helpful adults of their parent's imprisonment—out of shame and fear of rejection. Children who have mentors have increased self-esteem, have stronger and healthier relationships with peers and adults, have improved academic performance, and are less likely to become involved in the justice system themselves.  

Mobius has partnered with 11 mentoring programs statewide to serve this population in the 3^rd year of a federal grant through the Department of Health and Human Services. The goal for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners initiative is to match 99 children of an incarcerated parent with a caring adult mentor.

If you know of any children who would qualify for this service or if you would like to become a mentor, please call 802-658-1888 or email meredith@mobiusmentors.org.