Little Angels

“Little Angels” is an ongoing program to bless children—usually from birth to age 12. We refer to them as “Little Angels” because it was an innocent child that Jesus used to describe heaven. And we call them Little Angels since they are “not guilty” of any crime. They cry out (silently at times) for love and attention. They can’t understand the reason for an “all-too-soon” end to seeing Daddy in jail. This ranks near the top “price tag” for the crimes parents commit. Though he is innocent, the child is in pain and pays an awful fee.

Increased contact with imprisoned dads and moms helps. Something almost magical occurs looking into the innocent face of a child. The child loves his mom or dad. He has blind faith that good things are coming. Their dancing eyes fan the flames of hope in the hearts of parents.

Research in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine centers on children, 3-5 years old, with a parent deployed in the military. We (in prison ministry) are certain a child with an incarcerated parent reflects even more pronounced negative effects. “Hitting, biting and hyperactivity were more frequent when a parent was deployed,” said lead author, Dr. Molinda Chartrand (active-duty Air Force pediatrician). This age group scored an average of 5 points higher for behavioral problems and 1 out of 5 older preschoolers displayed troubling emotional or behavioral signs.

Family members wield a dramatic influence on each other. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that “an estimated 2,000,000 children with one or both parents incarcerated face a greater risk of perpetuating the cycle of crime across generations” (USA Today).

Another source predicts these children are 7 times more likely than peers to become embroiled in the criminal justice system. Three Louisiana brothers are convicted murderers serving life sentences in that state. Six sets of brothers await capital punishment for crimes in California. Texas has executed six sets of siblings and two sets of cousins sit on Death Row. Clyde Barrow (of “Clyde & Bonnie” fame) also had a brother who occasionally robbed banks. Most of us have heard about the “James’ Boys”—Frank and Jesse.

Nearly 50% of inmates have other family members following in the family tradition. It is difficult to break the family crime cycle, but we cannot simply “sit on our hands” and do nothing. This ministry does what it can by teaching adult prisoners through courses such as . . .

The suffering of “children of alcoholics and addicts” is common knowledge. We use our Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) and “12 Steps to a Closer Walk with God” most frequently since crimes are often committed “under the influence.” We utilize our Children’s Edition with those 5-12 years of age and friends of this ministry answer calls for pampers, baby-beds, highchairs, clothing, safety seats, toys, and more.

With funds available, we purchase $25 gift cards from Walmart to bless children. This is not a Christmas-time effort but a 365 day-per-year ministry. The gift cards supply more than toys—they fill prescriptions, buy a sweater, coat, shoes, or groceries. Over the course of an average year, $10,000-$12,000 is expended. One year we directly assisted 545 children in 260 families with 820 in the households. We wish we could do more. As small as it may seem, ONE gift-card can make a world of difference at a critical moment.

There are other programs that minister to children of offenders in other ways. We prefer our approach—personal contact with children and impacting the individual lives in need—face to face, 365 days a year. Records are kept of families with brief annotations of assistance given. It is not unusual to see statements like father in jail or “mother in prison” or dad on parole.