It has been estimated that more than 2.7 million children in the United States have at least one parent currently in prison. Because of the absence of a parent, these children may be impacted negatively for the rest of their lives. According to one study, they are more likely to experience poor school performance, housing instability, mental and physical health issues and economic hardship.

In order to lessen the burden on these children, Ambassadors for Hope, an advocacy group in Lancaster County, is working to bridge the gap between parents in prison and children on the outside. The group reconnects children with their incarcerated parents.

A recent report suggested that although there are in-prison programs focusing on parenting skills, few are focused on meeting the needs of children directly during the time the parents are in prison.

Appearing on Tuesday's Smart Talk to discuss the issue are Robert R. Cooper, Founder and Co-ordinator, Ambassadors for Hope: Serving Children with a Parent in Prison, family advocate Jennifer Strasenburgh, Dr. Mary Glazier, Chair, Professor, Director of the Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change, Millersville University and David Bender, Chief Strategic Officer Compass Mark.