More mothers are ending up behind bars. Meeting the needs of their children is becoming a bigger priority
Anissa Gray, CNN
March 18, 2019
“The program is one of a growing number that aim to strengthen ties between American mothers serving time and their children, whose welfare faces grave risks if those family bonds weaken. The need for initiatives like these, as well as for more legal options and social services for mothers facing criminal charges, has surged, advocates say, in step with the explosive growth of the number of people in lockup — particularly women….”
More Play Free Stories
-
May 11, 2026
In the News: A Prison Lullaby for Mother’s Day
A Prison Lullaby for Mother’s Day Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project May 11, 2026 "Lowe and Adeyson now spend time together through...
-
March 9, 2026
Mobile Play Free: Hutchinson Correctional Facility
Play Free is strengthening the bonds between incarcerated parents and their children through the power of play. March 9, 2026 - A group...
-
June 24, 2025
Connecting Families Through Music
Through the Lullaby Project, parents separated by incarceration are finding new ways to be present in their children’s lives. Connecting...
-
April 2, 2025
Discovery Center Unveils New Visiting Room at Ellsworth Correctional Facility
For the first time in Kansas, children impacted by parental incarceration will be welcomed into visiting spaces specifically designed to...
-
March 28, 2025
Thank you, Topeka Correctional Facility Residents!
Residents raise funds for Play Free program to support children with incarcerated parents. Residents at Topeka Correctional Facility held...
-
March 19, 2024
In the News: Play Free at Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex
Play Free at Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex David Thompson, Kansas Department of Corrections March 19, 2024 The partnership...
-
January 29, 2024
Play Free Prison Program Expands to Serve Dads, Kids
A new chapter in the Kansas Children's Discovery Center's work to serve children with incarcerated parents January 29, 2024 - "Dad!" a...
-
December 29, 2023
In the News: A Kansas prison helps kids bond with their mothers and grandmothers outside prison walls
A Kansas prison helps kids bond with their mothers and grandmothers outside prison walls Blaise Mesa, KCUR November 7, 2023 "Maureen...
-
September 13, 2023
In the News: Department of Corrections at Play Free
Department of Corrections at Play Free David Thompson, Kansas Department of Corrections September 13, 2023 "Play Free is a daylong...
-
July 14, 2023
Play Free Prison Program Hosts Kansas Wardens
Kansas Wardens experience the power of play July 13, 2023 - The Kansas Children's Discovery Center's Play Free program hosted all wardens...
-
February 6, 2023
Play Free Reaches Milestone
1,000 participants served in the Discovery Center's innovative prison partnership Topeka, Kansas - February 6, 2023 - The Kansas...
-
October 14, 2019
New video offers an inside look at a children's museum serving children with incarcerated moms
Topeka, Kansas, September 7, 2019 - A new video offers an inside look at a children's museum serving children with incarcerated moms....
-
March 18, 2019
Discovery Center on CNN: More mothers are ending up behind bars. Meeting the needs of their children is becoming a bigger priority
More mothers are ending up behind bars. Meeting the needs of their children is becoming a bigger priority Anissa Gray, CNN March 18,...
-
October 1, 2018
In the News: Discovery center welcomes inmates and their kids for day of play
Discovery center welcomes inmates and their kids for day of play Tiernan Shank, WIBW October 1, 2018 "A day of play for parents and...