A group that advocates for children says Oklahoma's high incarceration rate has led to one in every 10 children in the state having a parent imprisoned at some point in their lives.
The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy highlighted a national report released Monday that details the toll of parental incarceration on children and families. The report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation indicates more than 96,000 Oklahoma children have a parent who has served time in prison.
Oklahoma has had the highest female incarceration rate in the country for more than a decade, and its incarceration rate for men is among the highest.
The foundation's recommendations include ensuring children are supported while their parents are incarcerated and job programs for released prisoners.