9:00 a.m. Supporting Children Who Have An Incarcerated Parent, Relative or Friend
Presenter: Kendra Couch MA, LPC-S
College Station I.S.D.
Millions of U.S. Children are impacted by parental incarceration. According to the Family and Corrections Network, 7 million, or one in 10, U.S. children have a parent under some form of criminal justice supervision - in jail, prison, on probation, or on parole. Many children experiencing a parent incarcerated may also have additional risk factors such as a parent’s substance misuse, mental health disorders, poverty or abuse.
There are unique problems and stressors created by parental incarceration. Depending on the length of the incarceration, school professionals can find themselves working with grandparents or other caretakers as the family experiences financial strain, adjustment to new routines and possibly even living in a new home. Parental incarceration is acknowledged as an “adverse childhood experience” (ACE). It is distinguished from other adverse childhood experiences by the unique combination of trauma, guilt, shame, and stigma.
During this session, we will explore the impact parental incarceration has on some of the youngest and the most forgotten victims of crime – the offender’s children. Strategies for helping these children and possible services you can provide on your campus will be discussed.
12:30 p.m. Teens, Technology, Sexting and Pornography
Presenter: Lori Kuykendall, Executive Director
Aim for Success
Pornography has become “The New Sex Education,” and without both the information and support needed to counteract its dangerous lies, young people will continue to be at great risk. The content of this session will focus on the impact technology, sexting and pornography are having on the physical, emotional and social health of our youth. A discussion of basic human needs and how they relate to decision-making and risk-taking will set the foundation for the session. Participants will learn practical ways to help students develop healthy relationships based on love, respect and trust. Healthy “tech tips” will be shared that can help students make positive decisions. Information will be presented on helping teens overcome addiction, specifically with regards to technology and pornography. The impact of parent-child connectedness and school connectedness will also be presented with practical ways school counselors can help.