MaineHealth Bright Connections

Supporting Maine children with a parent involved in the justice system

Caring for a child when a parent is incarcerated can bring unique challenges. MaineHealth Bright Connections offers support, connection and practical resources for caregivers like you.

Our goal is simple: to ensure you and the children in your care feel supported, understood and connected

Bright Connections is a statewide project supporting Maine children with a parent involved in the justice system, and the caregivers who show up for them every day. Parental incarceration can bring emotional and practical challenges for families, and many caregivers navigate this with very little support. Through our Family Systems Navigator, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed guidance, resource kits and connections to local and national services to help strengthen children’s resilience.

How parental incarceration may affect children 

Parent-child separation due to incarceration can be a very challenging experience for children. Children respond differently depending on their age and developmental stage, and may experience a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, shame or isolation. 

Younger children may show these feelings through behavior, while older children and teens may have a more complex mix of emotions. Understanding how your children may be affected can help you provide the support they need. 

Signs your child may need help

• Unable to sleep (insomnia), restlessness and ongoing sleep troubles
• Depression, anxiety, and/or low self-esteem
• Lack of interest and/or challenges in school and school-related activities
• Ending relationships with family and friends
• Engaging in risk-taking behaviors — drug and alcohol use, fighting or sexual experimentation
• Triggered anger and physically acting out
• Defiance