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Who are the least of these? - Coggle Diagram
Who are the least of these?
Some examples of the least of these are prisoners, those who are hungry/thirsty, stranger/without a home, clothes, and/or sick. (I believe the widow and fatherless may also be included)
The children of inmates suffer at times as much - or perhaps more - than those serving their time in prison
Ways children may feel this pain/disconnect
They may feel the absence of the parent(s), and thereby, lack of love and attention from them
They may feel a loss of trust in the incarcerated parent for broken promises when the parent ended up back in jail after promising the child that they wouldn't
They may be blamed or feel that the parent is in jail to protect or provide for them
Potential negative impacts on children
Mental health issues
Challenge/loss of educational prospects or drive to do well in school
Social/behavior issues
May have witnessed violence/abuse
May end up in foster care
May have witnessed use (or consequences) of drug/alcohol abuse
May strive to find ways (and people) who will give them any love or attention, which is often the wrong crowd to be affiliated with
Reasons for meetings with children and incarcerated parents
The inmate's desire to strive for a change of heart and behavior
Way for the child to see and have contact with the incarcerated parent
These are all reasons why the foundation of corrections needs to have a Biblical foudation
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:6
"Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:7
Prevent retraumatization
Lessen the risk of the children ending up incarcerated
Promote resilience