Parenting programs proposed for inmates

The state Department of Correctional Services would receive funding for programs to improve parenting skills of incarcerated parents under a bill heard by the Judiciary Committee Feb. 22.

LB483, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz, would impose a $1 court fee on all misdemeanor and felony convictions that would be used to implement parenting programs in correctional facilities. Such programs would consist of parent education, early literacy, relationship skills development and reentry planning involving family members of the parents. Parents whose children are younger than 5 years old would receive priority enrollment in the program.

Bolz said children with incarcerated parents are six times more likely to be incarcerated than their peers. Parenting programs currently offered at select correctional facilities are in high demand, she said, so the bill would provide a financial means to expand the program to correctional facilities statewide.

A.J. Santos, supervisor of Christian Hertiage’s parenting program, testified in support of the bill, saying that 264 incarcerated fathers were enrolled in the program in 2012. The program tracks outcomes for children, provides outreach to families, offers domestic violence courses and establishes partnerships, he said.

“Parenting programs help keep vulnerable children out of trouble and encourage fathers to become more involved in their children’s lives,” he said.

Gregg Nicklas, CEO of Christian Heritage, testified in support of the bill, and said that parenting programs reduce recidivism. Only 31 of the 407 fathers who participated in parenting programs while they were in jail were re-incarcerated, he said.

Richard Reinke, a graduate of the program, also testified in support, saying the program helped him establish a relationship with his children.

“I thought I knew a lot about parenting and relationships already, but I learned there is a lot more to it,” he said.

No one testified in opposition to the bill.

State Court Administrator Janice Walker provided neutral testimony, saying the program should not be funded by court fees.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.