Helping students cope with the effects of family incarceration
Official title: Supporting Student Health and Resiience
Funded at California State University Northridge · NIH-10874488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a school program called Pain of the Prison System (POPS) that helps teens whose families are affected by incarceration, using creative activities to build friendships and support, so they can better handle tough experiences and improve their mental health and school performance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Northridge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $368,750 |
| NIH project number | 5SC1GM144183-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 18 who have experienced household incarceration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of family incarceration or are outside the age range of 12 to 18 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on supporting adolescents whose families are involved in the criminal justice system, particularly those affected by household incarceration. It aims to evaluate a school-based program called Pain of the Prison System (POPS), which integrates socio-emotional learning through creative and artistic activities. The program seeks to foster connections among peers and caring adults, helping students build resilience and cope with the challenges posed by adverse childhood experiences. By assessing the program's effectiveness, the research aims to identify strategies that can improve the mental health and academic outcomes of these youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective strategies to enhance the emotional well-being and academic success of students impacted by family incarceration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using school-based programs to support at-risk youth, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Northridge
Northridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forster, Myriam — California State University Northridge
- Study coordinator: Forster, Myriam
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.