When a person becomes a parent, their role in life undoubtedly changes. The person must become a teacher, guide and helper in the child's life. Research has shown that there is a clear connection between how a child is raised and their overall development. John Bowlby's attachment theory emphasizes the importance of regular and prolonged contact between the parent-infant or parent-child relationship (Travis & Waul 2003). But what happens when the only physical contact a child can share with their parent is a hand pressed against the glass screen separating the two? What happens when the mother or father's last memory is from the corner of the living room as they watch their parent being handcuffed? In 2007, it was estimated that there were approximately 1.7 million children of incarcerated parents in the United States (Poehlmann, Dallaire, Loper & Shear 2010). Of these 1.7 million children, 58% are under 10 years old, with an average age of 8 years (Travis & Waul 2003). Children of incarcerated parents are often moved from one family and school to another. The child faces this problem at home and at school, and may find it particularly difficult during school. Schools, however, can be a safe place for these children. This research explored the psychological effects of parental incarceration on the child, the school problems that result, and what educators can do to support children of incarcerated parents. “While his mother cooked meth, Anthony watched television. This is what he was doing the day the police arrived. He was five years old (Bernstein 2005).” Being the child of an incarcerated parent is not only a traumatic event, but effective mentoring programs must be developed in their schools for these students to reach their full potential. Ultimately, children of incarcerated parents have a say and need to be heard; not to remain incarcerated in one's life. Works Cited Bernstein, Nell. (2005). All alone in the world: the children of prisoners. New York: The New Press. Gabel, Katherine & Johnston, Denise. (1995). Children of imprisoned parents. New York, NY: Lexington Books.Travis, Jeremy and Waul, Michelle. (2003). Prisoners once removed: The impact of incarceration and reentry on children, families, and communities. The Urban Institute Press: Washington, DC Vacca, James. (2008). Children of Incarcerated Parents: The Invisible Students in Our Schools: What Can Our Schools Do to Help Them? Relational practice for the assistance of children and young people, 21 (1). 49-56.