Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Parenting Inside Out (PIO) since 2019. By offering enhanced visitation incentives to individuals participating in PIO, they advance their commitment to driving positive outcomes for parents who are incarcerated and their families. Once a parent completes half of the curriculum, they can meet with their child every other week in their classroom and continue these enhanced visits after graduation.

A co-parent of a PIO graduate at Saratoga County Jail shared how the curriculum and this innovative model supported their entire family:

“Over the years, the relationship between father and son had become strained due to [Dad’s] substance use and inconsistent involvement. [Our son] was angry and hesitant about visiting his dad in jail…

After a few weeks, it became clear [Dad] wasn’t going anywhere soon. Instead of letting that discourage him, he began participating in classes offered at the facility—including the first ever parenting class, [Parenting Inside Out]. He truly enjoyed it and would call me after each session to share what he learned.

When we were invited to participate in the extended parenting visits, that’s when the real healing began. For nearly a year, [our child] and I visited every other week. These visits were so much more personal—they could sit together, play board games, eat snacks, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Even though it was only an hour every other week, that consistency helped rebuild their relationship.

I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. It’s easy for people to promise change while they’re incarcerated. But over time, I saw genuine growth in [Dad]. [Parenting Inside Out] helped him recognize the weight of his choices and how much responsibility I had been carrying alone. For the first time, he began asking meaningful questions about [our child’s] school, health, and emotional well-being. He no longer wanted to just be the ‘fun’ parent—he wanted to be a present one.”

We are grateful for our partnership with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and deeply proud of the positive outcomes they cultivate every day alongside parents who are incarcerated and their families.

Parenting Inside Out provides tools and skills to build parental, child, and family resilience and foster family connections that lead to positive outcomes for the whole family. Learn more about partnering with us at www.parentinginsideout.org/find-the-right-fit.

The enhanced visitation space in the Parenting Inside Out classroom that Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office uses as a participation incentive.

A Parenting Inside Out Coach holds up a graduation art project created by parents to celebrate their new parenting skills.