Lindsey’s Blog- the Family Services Advocate
As the days go by, I am getting more settled in my new
position as the Family Services Advocate. I have been actively
working with children to meet their basic needs and am putting
a strong focus on the child’s connection with the incarcerated
parent. Currently, I am working with a family that has three
children and they are a wonderful example of how families can
stay connected even while a parent is incarcerated. I was able
to assist their mother with getting replacement birth
certificates so that the three kids can go into the prison to
see their dad. This family also participated in the Ambassadors
for Hope Teddy Bear Program, which was extremely special to the
entire family. Additionally, I was able to assist in getting a
picture of a dinosaur that the incarcerated parent drew to the
mother so that it could be put onto a birthday cake for the
oldest child’s birthday. You can reach me at 717-299-2831 or by
email at lober@compassmark.org.
Lindsey Ober, Family Advocate
PA Sentencing Laws and the Trauma Effects on the
Family
James T. Hansberry, a member of the Ambassadors for Hope
Advisory Council, and Lindsey Ober, Family Services Advocate,
gave a presentation at the 6th annual Global Well-Being and
Social Change Conference held at Millersville University called
“A Closer Look: PA Sentencing Laws and the Trauma Effects on
the Family”. This presentation examined PA sentencing law as
applied to a case involving the accidental shooting of a young
child by her older brother. The children found the gun in the
living room of their apartment. It had been left there by a
family friend with a felony record. The presentation examined
the potential legal ramifications that could flow to the
defendant. Lindsey Ober examined this tragic incident in terms
of the traumatic effects this event had on the children and
their mother.
Outcomes, Impact, and More!
Outcomes, Impact, and More! Dr. Carrie Smith, a member of
the Ambassadors for Hope Advisory Council and associate
professor of sociology at Millersville University, wrote a
Family Services Advocate Program Evaluation for 2017-2018. As
seen in the table below, the program has been highly effective
in meeting the needs of the children, as the percentage of
children needing assistance in every area decreased at 90 days.
Do you know the difference between a JAIL and a PRISON?
- JAILS are normally for short- term incarceration (less
than 2 years) or for those awaiting processing or trial.
- PRISONS are for persons serving sentences longer than two
years.
In Lancaster County Prison, in February, the average stay
was 113 days. 447 inmates were discharged and 457 were
admitted*. *Warden’s February report
Articles on incarcerated parents
1. 'Kids corner' at Boyle Co. jail motivates incarcerated
parents
2. America’s Other Family- separation Crisis
3. Telangana government runs nursery for prisoners’
children
4. Factors That Shape Parent-Child Reunification After a
Parent is Released From Prison
Ambassadors for Hope and Millersville University announce
the Ambassadors for Hope Scholarship for a student with a
parent in prison. Scholarship details in summer newsletter!