GIRL SCOUTS BEYOND BARS

Arizona leads the Western states in the rate of incarceration, resulting in more than 175,000 Arizona children with a parent in jail or prison, or on probation or parole, according to the advocacy group The Sentencing Project. Girls with incarcerated mothers face particular obstacles, but Girl Scouts believes that lack of access to leadership development programs shouldn’t be among them.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) was established in Arizona in 1994 as a partnership between GSACPC and the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office (MCSO). In 2004, the program expanded to Arizona Department of Corrections Perryville Prison, AND IN 2010, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona (GSSoAZ) joined to create a statewide initiative.

For twenty years we have worked with incarcerated mothers and their daughters in order to decrease the negative impact of parental separation. The program aims to nurture, in some cases reestablish, mother-daughter relationships, as well as help girls connect with one another for peer support.

By developing their strengths together, girls and mothers are empowered to make positive decisions in the future. In fact, GSUSA’s 2012 National Evaluation of the program found that 84 percent of girls agree that they have a better relationship with their mother since participating in GSBB.

Who participates?The program is open to girls ages 5-18 with a mother who is incarcerated.

Where?GSBB is offered statewide through GSACPC’s partnership with GSSoAZ. Mother daughter program is facilitated at MCSO Estrella and the Arizona Department of Corrections Perryville Prison. Girl Scout troop takes place at council-owned and other partner facilities.

How does it work?Through important partnerships and collaborations, and generous supporters.

Mothers are recruited through the prison to participate and are required to attend ‘Mom’ classes. Classes are provided on-site by Girl Scouts staff and a licensed, independent counselor.

Twice a month, girls are transported by GSACPC staff to visit their mothers and participate in program. In addition to visiting their mothers, girls meet twice a month in the community as a troop.

The troop experience is integral to the GSBB program because it provides opportunities to build supportive friendships and a sense of belonging. Girls participate in traditional activities such as songs, games and crafts, and have lunch together. Their programming addresses character education, life skills building, and tools to assist girls in making healthy choices. Participants also take part in the annual cookie program and summer camp.

Make a differenceGSBB relies heavily on volunteer support, is offered at no cost to the girl, and completely funded through Girl Scouts.

» To learn about volunteer and internship opportunities, email socialjustice@girlscoutsaz.org.

» To support the program with a donation, email donate@girlscoutsaz.org.

About Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) We’re the Girl Scouts. We’re 3.2 million strong across the U.S. – including over 25,000 girls and 11,000 adult volunteers in central and northern Arizona – who believe every girl can change the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. Today, we continue her vision of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strength, passions and talents. And with the best leadership experiences and programs available, there’s a chance for every girl to do something amazing. To volunteer, reconnect, donate and join, call 602.452.7000 or visit girlscoutsaz.org.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars GSACPC 07/14

119 E Coronado Rd | Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 602.452.7000 | girlscoutsaz.org |