To the editor:

The Jan. 11 Journal-World article “State prisons almost filled up” (page 1B), alerts us to the rapidly expanding prison population in Kansas and the resulting financial decisions facing our state in the near future. Prison overcrowding is often one unintended consequence of “get tough” crime policies, but there are others that are even more costly.

The children of prisoners, invisible victims of crime, were never mentioned in the article – a situation that I see more often than not. A reason to consider a range of sanctions for criminal offending (such as halfway houses) and an increase of supportive programming (such as mental health treatment and employment assistance) is the reduction of the effects that incarceration has on children and spouses.

Although some children may benefit from being separated from the incarcerated parent, research and anecdotal reports indicate that the majority of these youths experience negative social, emotional, psychological and economic outcomes. These families need help which will enable them to be more supportive of the inmate. Studies show that parolees returning to supportive families are less likely to be re-arrested or return to prison for committing new crimes.

As a new Kansan and a researcher focused on at risk youth, specifically children of prisoners, I see an emerging opportunity for criminal justice innovation. As the need for more prison beds is debated, I urge a consideration of options that will reduce recidivism as well as provide support to children of prisoners and their parent/caregivers.

Toni Johnson,

Lawrence