Families Beyond Bars
Understanding the Hidden Trauma of Mass Incarceration
Mass incarceration in the United States affects millions of lives, but its devastating impact on the mothers of incarcerated children and their families is an area that has received far too little attention. The emotional, social, and economic trauma experienced by these mothers is profound, yet it remains largely under-researched.
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At A Mother's Cry, we believe that understanding this trauma is essential to creating meaningful change. That's why we are committed to advancing research in this critical area and collaborating with experts like Professor Michele Schlehofer from Salisbury University.
The Importance of Research
Professor Schlehofer and her team have been conducting studies to examine the methods and frameworks used to explore the impact of mass incarceration on families. Their work underscores the importance of using rigorous, ethical research methods to gather data that captures the lived experiences of mothers and families. By analyzing these methods, they ensure the research is not only reliable but also deeply reflective of the realities faced by those impacted.
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Gathering this data is vital for several reasons:
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Understanding the Scope of Trauma: Research helps us quantify the emotional, social, and financial burdens mothers and families bear.
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Identifying Needs: The data highlights specific areas where support systems are lacking, from mental health services to financial assistance.
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Driving Policy Change: Research-backed evidence is a powerful tool for advocating for policies that support families of incarcerated individuals.
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How Project Redemption Supports This Work
Through Project Redemption, we aim to build on this ongoing research by developing programs and resources that address the trauma families face. By collaborating with Professor Schlehofer and other experts, we seek to:
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Develop community-based support initiatives.
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Advocate for systemic changes informed by real data.
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Provide families with access to tools that promote healing and resilience.
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Join Us in the Mission
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A Mother's Cry is dedicated to giving a voice to mothers and families affected by mass incarceration. Together, we can shine a light on their experiences, create impactful change, and build a foundation of hope and healing.
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We invite you to support this important work—whether by sharing your story, partnering with us in research efforts, or advocating for policy change. Your involvement can make a difference in how we understand and address the generational trauma of mass incarceration.
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Let’s work together to ensure these families are no longer forgotten.
Introducing the Salisbury University PSYC Team
The 2024 PSYC Research Methods students at Salisbury University developed an online survey for "A Mother's Cry" to collect data that will serve as an advocacy tool and be presented to legislative members.
Kiley from PSYC 304 Research Methods, presented on the class research project we conducted for "A Mother's Cry."
Interview with Professor Michele Schlehofer from Salisbury University.