Blog: Incarcerated Parents

“Who are the people in your neighborhood?” and “Lady Bug Picnic” are songs that I know from only one place: “Sesame Street.” These are songs my children, 8 and 10, know as well – more than 30 years later.
Now in its 44th season, the international children’s television program, “Sesame Street,” is synonymous with childhood memories, long-term friendships, sweet dreams and excitement. The show and its creators have been great at delving into issues that help kids fit in, feel comfortable and understand and embrace differences – physical challenges, relationships and family structure.
Last week, Sesame Workshop unveiled yet another project to help our children understand life through our varied lenses: a 30-minute documentary on incarcerated parents highlighted on CBS’ “Sunday Morning.” Wow! The organization understood the lack of available resources for children of incarcerated parents and developed a film to help children cope with being separated from their parents and explain to viewers the importance of preserving family bonds – even behind bars. Mixing fiction with real life, the short film uses puppets and youth‘s personal stories.

“We were really struck by the lack of resources,” said a Sesame Workshop spokesperson on the need to create such a project.
The film will be distributed to therapists, schools, prisons and service providers. It will not air on the actual show.

In addition to the film, Sesame Workshop has created a webpage, and a Sesame Street Incarceration App that features a toolkit for parents, caregivers, providers and families. Resources, tips and kid-centered activities are highlighted to help talk and draw out emotions and feelings are provided.