Resources for Mothers of the Incarcerated
Nearly two million people are living in prisons, jails, and correctional facilities in the US today, 93% of whom are men. Most of these men have mothers who carry the lion’s share of the burden of their care, regardless of the age or marital status of their sons. No matter what their crimes were, they continue to love and care for their sons. Mothers serve as their sons’ bankers, secretaries, legal consultants, and psychotherapists.
The additional workload contributes to the stress on mothers and increases their risks for multiple physical and emotional problems. And yet, mothers are nearly invisible in both the professional literature and criminal justice programming. Mothers of incarcerated sons are often isolated, fearing shame and blame from others, due to their sons’ arrests.
We can do better for mothers. We must do better for ourselves!
He’s Still My Son is designed to offer support and resources to mothers of incarcerated sons and those who love them. Despite vast differences in our circumstances and means, we are a growing, powerful and diverse community. If we work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish for our sons, ourselves and in the criminal justice system.