Children of Incarcerated Parents

Foreword
Occasionally, a new initiative comes along that seems unquestionably
the right thing to do.The Amachi initiative, which mentors the children of
prisoners, is one.
This report documents Amachi’s early years of operation in Philadelphia, its
birthplace. Because Amachi’s success in Philadelphia has sparked interest in many
cities around the country, as well as at the White House and in Congress, the
report discusses not only data regarding program quality and effectiveness, but
also the strategies and mechanics of setting up, operating, and maintaining an
Amachi program. It is meant to be helpful to those interested in supporting or
operating an Amachi program; it will also be enlightening to those who think
that mentoring is a simple intervention.
John DiIulio, now Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of Politics, Religion and
Civil Society at the University of Pennsylvania, had the idea for Amachi—and
W. Wilson Goode, former Mayor of Philadelphia and currently Senior Advisor
on Faith-Based Initiatives at P/PV, then carried it out.The Pew Charitable
Trusts supported both the development and the implementation of Amachi.
Though many others played vital supportive roles, their outstanding vision, commitment
and leadership have made Amachi Philadelphia the successful initiative
you will read about.
Amachi’s future depends, of course, on many factors; but President Bush’s State
of the Union call for substantial federal financial support, and the commitment
expressed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and many of its local affiliates to
expand Amachi’s reach in the United States, bode well. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Southeastern Pennsylvania has also made a significant financial and mission commitment
to continue and expand Amachi in the Philadelphia region.
In modern America, too many children lack the acceptance, care, and guidance
of committed adults—certainly none more so than the children of prisoners.
Gary Walker
President, Public/Private Ventures
MENTORING CHILDREN OF PRISONERS IN PHILADELPHIA
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