My Mom or Dad is in Jail

When a parent goes to jail or prison, kids deserve real answers to their questions.

My Mom or Dad Is in Jail: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Jail, Prison, and Life While They're Away is a straightforward, age-appropriate guide for children dealing with parental incarceration.

Instead of avoiding difficult questions, this book explains what kids may actually want to know:

What happens when someone is arrested?
What's the difference between jail and prison?
What happens in court?
Where does my parent sleep and what is life like inside?
Can I call, write, or visit them?
How long will they be gone?
What if I'm angry, embarrassed, worried, or don't want to talk about it?
Is any of this my fault?
What happens when Mom or Dad comes home?

Written for approximately ages 8–13, this illustrated guide walks children through arrest, booking, court, jail and prison life, phone calls, letters, visitation, changes at home, school and friendships, missing a parent, anger, guilt, release, and life after incarceration.

It doesn't assume every incarcerated parent is innocent or guilty, that every parent-child relationship is the same, or that every family will have a perfect reunion. Instead, kids receive honest explanations in language they can understand.

This book can be read independently or used by parents, grandparents, caregivers, foster and kinship families, teachers, school counselors, social workers, therapists, correctional programs, and other adults supporting children of incarcerated parents.

Inside, young readers will find:

• Clear explanations of jail, prison, arrest, court, bail, sentencing, probation, and parole

• What daily life in a correctional facility may be like

• What to expect from phone calls, letters, video calls, and prison or jail visits

• Help understanding changes at home and school

• Practical ways to handle missing a parent, anger, worry, embarrassment, and confusing feelings

• Reassurance about self-blame and parental incarceration

• Guidance for preparing for a parent's release and adjusting afterward

• A kid-friendly glossary of unfamiliar criminal justice terms

A parent being incarcerated can leave a child wondering what happened, what happens next, and where they fit into all of it.

This book was written to help them find answers.