The creation of the Family Activity Center at the Allegheny County Jail serves as the first example of how a task group can mobilize to take action. Since the release of PCGF’s study “Children of Incarcerated Parents,” numerous agencies and individuals have partnered with the Foundation to address other significant findings.
 

Projects completed:

Gwendolyn June Campbell Elliott Family Activity Center – This child- and family-friendly waiting area in the Allegheny County Jail lobby opened in spring 2007. It was created by a group of more than 100 grantmakers, agencies, and individuals led by the Foundation, Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections, and Lydia’s Place, Inc.  Because of the pilot’s success, the Center has become an integral program under the management of the Allegheny County Jail.
 
Systems Advocate for Children and Families of the Incarcerated – This new position in Allegheny County government serves as the “point person” for families of parents in the Allegheny County Jail.

 
Projects initiated:

Time of Arrest – Police Protocol and Community Support – task group is piloting protocols, training, and community resources to ease children’s transition at time of arrest.

Visiting Procedures for Families involved with CYF/Court/Jail – A task group is improving visiting protocols to facilitate contact between children and parents.
 
Family Relationships Program – Parents in jail, family members, service providers, and correctional staff are designing programs to strengthen family relationships while a parent is in the Allegheny County Jail for a year after release.

 
Projects to come:

Tips for Adults – Resources to help adults talk with children and respond to their fears and feelings when their parents are arrested and incarcerated.
 

The Foundation’s two Reports to the Community that share the findings and the community’s responses are available in the “Reports & Media” section on this website.