Need: Children with incarcerated parents are exposed to a greater number of problems (parental substance abuse, mental illness, extreme poverty, domestic violence). 1 in 5 children of inmates are found to have clinically significant depression, anxiety, and tendencies to withdraw from others. Additionally, 1 in 3 had demonstrated significant aggression, disruptive behavior and below-average academic performance.
Results: 187 students participated in supportive counseling groups at 10 local schools last year. The program is designed to assist children who have a parent who is incarcerated. 49% of the students missed 5 or fewer days of school, 71% had 5 or fewer tardies, 89% had 5 or fewer disciplinary referrals, and the average GPA of middle school students was 2.41.
Need: A recent poll of SD households found: 29% had problems paying their basic bills, 44% have cut back on amount spent on food, 45% have cut back on saving for retirement, and 42% were not familiar with services like housing or food assistance. In September 2009, 8,771 households qualified for food stamps in our four county area, a 48% increase from September 2008.
Results: 3,364 financial counseling sessions were provided in 2009. 679 households received help in creating and maintaining debt management plans. 74.6% of clients made moderate to significant progress on their awareness of their current spending habits. 52.9% of clients made moderate to significant progress towards developing written financial goals as well as a plan to accomplish them.