Initiated in 1997, the Department launched the Children’s Initiative, a primary crime prevention program designed to make a positive impact on children from birth to age ten and thus foster a generation of healthy, nourished and nurtured children who will be far less likely to be involved in violence, drop out of school, or use drugs – all significant factors linked to subsequent criminality. The Children’s Initiative is multi-faceted.

Character Counts

Character Counts is a proven program and is widely embraced by schools, communities and non profit organizations. The program provides a framework based on basic values called the “six pillars of character”: 

• Trustworthiness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring
• Citizenship 

Character Counts is available in the community and in state prisons. The same principles are taught to both child and parent using the same language, thus creating a common bond for effective and positive communications and behavioral pattern development and reinforcement in both.

Parenting Skills

Parenting Skills Training is available to offenders in all state prisons and is required for those parents enrolled in the Department’s pre-release program. The training focuses on assisting the incarcerated parent to be an active parent in the lives of their children. Adult offenders on probation or parole supervision also have access to parenting skills education.

Head Start School Programs

Corrections employees volunteer to read to children at local Head Start programs, and helping the school with other needed services, such as holiday celebrations (Christmas party, fall festivals, Easter egg hunts, mentoring, etc.)

Children’s Reading Corner

Each state prison has a designated area in the visiting room to give children and their parents an opportunity to interact through shared reading. Offenders are encouraged to take their children to the area to read and/or play with them. When available, books are given to the children to take home to read.

GRACE Camp

GRACE Camp is a five-day non-denominational camping experience designed for children ages 9-11 who have a parent in prison or recently released from prison. DPS&C employees and offender organizations contribute via monetary scholarships or supply donations to help with camp expenses.

AWANA

AWANA is a prison ministry with a child-centered component aimed at helping incarcerated parents at Louisiana State Penitentiary reach out to their children, becoming a positive influence as the child grows and develops into a productive adult. The program works with the incarcerated parents year round, but plans one weekend during the year with a carnival-like atmosphere at the prison for the parent and child, who spend time together doing arts and crafts, playing games, sharing a meal and engaging in character building activities.

One Day With God

One Day With God is a one-day “behind the walls” camp for incarcerated offenders and their children, allowing them quality time together. The camp is sponsored by Forgiven Ministries and emphasis is placed on giving the incarcerated parent and child a chance to build positive relationships.