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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Report: "Parent in Prison" Brings Challenges for Caregivers

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Friday, December 13, 2013   

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Having a parent in prison is more common than childhood autism in the U.S., according to a recent report from Volunteers of America.

The study seeks to raise awareness of what life is like for the children and their caregivers.

In many states, including South Dakota, resources for assistance are scarce.

Beth Poffenberger Lovell, director of Family Strengthening at Volunteers of America, says for the children there is a deep stigma that becomes more significant as they grow older.

"I mean, it's one thing to have a two-year-old, it's another thing to have a 15-year-old, and to be struggling with some of the social pressures that come along with that," she explains.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers some help and guidance.

The report shows it's usually better if caregivers can receive personal assistance, as they often need help navigating the school system, or even buying food and clothes.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates 1.75 million children under age 18 currently have a parent in prison.

Millions more have been affected at some point in their lives, and most are children from low-income families of color.

Lovell stresses it's important that everyone understands that these children are innocent bystanders.

"Making sure that we're raising the visibility,” she points out. “These are kids in your neighborhood, and in your school system and at your YMCA."

Recommendations in the report include providing safe environments so children can visit parents more often, and in areas that don't look like prisons.

Volunteers of America runs several pilot programs around the country where the group coaches incarcerated parents and offers coaching and assistance to those caring for the children.





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