Today, Governor Kelly Armstrong declared September 15th as Children of Incarcerated Parents Day in North Dakota. It’s an important step—because for too long, the children of incarcerated parents have carried a heavy burden in silence. While one person serves a sentence, their children often serve a hidden one.
The Impact We Don’t Always See
When a parent goes to prison, it isn’t just their life that changes. Children face birthdays without hugs, holidays with empty seats, and milestones without the people they love most. They wrestle with big questions that rarely have simple answers:
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Why did this happen?
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Will they come back?
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Does this mean something is wrong with me?
On top of the personal loss, many of these kids carry stigma. They feel isolated at school, judged in their communities, or overlooked by the systems meant to support them. Studies show they are more likely to struggle with poverty, mental health challenges, and instability. And yet, they are some of the most resilient young people you will ever meet.
Where the Numbers Speak Loudly
Putting faces behind the stories matters. Here are some statistics that help us see the scale of what we’re talking about.
National Picture
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About 2.7 million children in the U.S. have a parent currently behind bars in jail or prison. The Sentencing Project
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Over 5 million children have had a parent incarcerated at some point during their lives. The Sentencing Project
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Roughly 7% of children under 18 have a parent who is incarcerated. That’s about one in every 50 children. docr.nd.gov+2The Sentencing Project+2
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Disparate impact by race: for example, nearly 20% of Native American children and 13% of Black children have had an incarcerated parent, compared to around 6% of white children. The Sentencing Project+1
North Dakota Specifics
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An estimated 10,000 children in North Dakota have experienced some form of parental incarceration. UND Scholarly Commons
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That number represents about 7% of children in the state. Public News Service+1
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Compared to non-Hispanic white kids, Native American children in ND are 2 to 5 times more likely to have an incarcerated parent. UND Scholarly Commons
These numbers mean that in every classroom, in every neighborhood, in every county: there are children whose lives are being shaped by this hidden sentence.
More Than Their Circumstances
Children of incarcerated parents are not defined by their parent’s mistakes. They are dreamers, leaders, athletes, and artists. They are kids who deserve the same love, support, and opportunities as any other child. What makes the difference? A caring adult. A supportive community. Access to resources that help them process their pain and build a hopeful future.
Why This Day Matters
By declaring Children of Incarcerated Parents Day, North Dakota is shining a light on a reality often left in the shadows. It’s an acknowledgment that these children exist—and that they matter. It’s also a call to action for all of us. We must ensure these children don’t slip through the cracks. We must create environments where they are seen, heard, and given every chance to thrive.
Where F5 Stands
At F5 Project, we know incarceration ripples out far beyond one individual. It touches families, communities, and generations. That’s why our work isn’t just about second chances for those reentering society—it’s also about hope and healing for the families walking alongside them. We believe in breaking cycles of incarceration and replacing them with cycles of love, stability, and opportunity. We believe in walking with families so that no child grows up feeling forgotten.
A Message of Hope
To every child carrying the invisible weight of incarceration:
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You are not alone.
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You are not defined by your circumstances.
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Your future is still wide open with possibility.
Your story can be one of resilience, not despair. And we, as a community, have the power to help write that story with you.
Today, on Children of Incarcerated Parents Day, let’s remember: it’s not just about second chances—it’s about first chances for the children who deserve them most.
