Sandra Barnhill is the founder of the Atlanta nonprofit, Foreverfamily. The organization helps strengthen the bonds between children and parents who are incarcerated.

Sandra Barnhill is the founder of the Atlanta nonprofit, Foreverfamily. The organization helps strengthen the bonds between children and parents who are incarcerated. / GPB

A recent report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that almost 200,000 children in Georgia have an incarcerated parent. Georgia also has the highest probation rate in the country and the eighth-highest incarceration rate, according to the Georgia Council of Criminal Justice Reform.

Parental incarceration can lead to housing insecurity, financial pressures and emotional challenges for children.

The Atlanta-based nonprofit Foreverfamily helps strengthen the bonds between incarcerated parents and their children through educational programming and visitation.

 "On Second Thought" host Virginia Prescott speaks with Sandra Barnhill.

Sandra Barnhill is the founder and national president of the organization. She joined "On Second Thought" to discuss how Foreverfamily helps parents and kids foster relationships inside and outside of prison.

"These children have a bright future and someone must invest in them," said Barnhill of the children she works with who have incarcerated parents. "The issue to me is every child needs to be loved, to be encouraged and to know their worth."

 

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Tags: Nonprofit  Criminal Justice Reform  Incarceration  Criminal Justice  Atlanta  Georgia  Macon  Savannah