Lund is excited to announce the expansion of its Kids-A-Part Parenting Program (KAPPP) to serve incarcerated fathers, beginning at the Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport, Vermont, starting October 1, 2025. This program expansion, championed by several advocates, legislators, and community partners, marks a major step in supporting children affected by parental incarceration.
Since 2011, Lund’s KAPPP has provided critical support to incarcerated mothers and their families across Vermont. The program offers parenting classes, family-centered case management, and opportunities for parent-child contact, helping maintain family bonds and reduce the negative impacts of incarceration on children. With this expansion, fathers will now have access to the same high-quality, trauma-informed services. “We are thrilled to expand the Kids-A-Part Parenting Program into Northern State Correctional Facility,” said Kim Laroche, Director of Parent Child Center Services at Lund. “This important step creates gender parity within the correctional system, ensuring that both mothers and fathers have access to the support they need to strengthen family bonds. By extending these services, we are helping parents, children, and caregivers stay connected, which is vital to the well-being of families and communities.”
Why This Expansion Matters
- Approximately 6,000 Vermont children each year experience having a parent under the supervision of the Department of Corrections (DOC).
- Evidence shows strong family ties reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for children.
- Providing equitable services ensures that both mothers and fathers receive the support needed to maintain meaningful family connections.
At NSCF, the Kids-A-Part Parenting Program will offer trauma-informed, skill-building parenting classes, individualized family service plans, and ongoing case management in collaboration with the Department for Children and Families (DCF), DOC, schools, and community partners. Fathers will also have opportunities for virtual and in-person visits, Storybook participation, and mail-based communication with their children, these services are provided at no cost to fathers or their families.
By strengthening parent-child relationships, reducing generational cycles of incarceration, and supporting overall community well-being, this expansion builds on Vermont’s commitment to families. In June 2025, Governor Phil Scott signed S.109 (Act 64), mandating free parenting and family support programs at all correctional facilities for all incarcerated parents. Lund’s Kids-A-Part Parenting Program demonstrates how these policies translate into real support for families across the state.
“Lund’s Kids-A-Part Parenting Program has been an invaluable program for incarcerated mothers and their children, helping families stay connected during some of the hardest times,” said Jon Murad, Interim Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections. “But we want incarcerated fathers to build stronger bonds with their children, too. By expanding Lund’s program to Northern State, we can help foster those important relationships. We’re deeply grateful to Lund for their partnership and the lasting impact they’re making on families and communities across Vermont.”
For more information or to get involved:
- This expansion has opened two new positions in Newport, VT. Learn more and apply: Community Case Manager and Facility Case Manager.
- Visit our volunteer page to learn how you can support this KAPPP expansion.
