Kansas ‘Play Free’ Program for Incarcerated Parents Expands to Ten Other States

A program designed to enhance the bond between incarcerated parents and their children is set to expand its influence across multiple U.S. states. The initiative, known as the ‘Play Free’ program, originated in Topeka, Kansas, and was jointly developed by the Kansas Department of Corrections and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

The core mission of the ‘Play Free’ program is to provide opportunities for quality time between incarcerated parents and their children. After achieving success within Kansas, program representatives have engaged with leaders from ten other states to share their operational model.

Among the states participating in these discussions is Colorado. These ten states have indicated plans to establish similar programs by the year 2027. The expansion signifies a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining familial connections for individuals involved in the justice system and their families.

Specific details regarding the implementation timeline or the exact nature of the programs being developed in each of the ten states were not immediately available. However, the initiative centers on creating structured environments where incarcerated parents can engage in meaningful activities with their children, thereby fostering stronger relationships and potentially contributing to better outcomes for both parents and children post-release.