Workshop participants will learn about family-focused education and treatment services for mothers with justice involvement and for their children.This program is the result addressing the unmet needs of vulnerable families with a parent in the justice system. Women are the fastest growing segment of the US justice-involved population. About 70% of all women in the justice system have children under 18. It is a common misconception that mothers do not care about their children. These women desperately want to be better mothers but often have absolutely no idea how, as their own mothers likely had substance use and mental health disorders, as well as justice involvement. A child always experiences the loss of a parent as a traumatic event, regardless of the cause, yet shame and stigma prevents many of these children from accessing treatment services. This program strengthens families which makes mothers less likely to recidivate and promotes desistence in their children. 

Alvis’ Family and Children’s Program is built upon three pillars: 
1) Parenting education and individualized coaching for mothers,
2) Prevention and educational support services for children to reduce their risk of becoming involved in the justice system and/or having a substance use disorder,  
3) Clinical counseling for children who need additional assistance addressing trauma and/or mental health disorders.