Higher rates of incarceration are often seen among racial/ethnic minorities and people with lower levels of education.

The United States has the largest prison population in the world and the number of people in prison in Arkansas is growing faster than any other state.  Incarceration can affect the health and well–being of those currently incarcerated, those with a history of incarceration, and their families and communities.  The financial security of a family can be significant impacted by the incarceration of a parent and this, in turn, can make it less likely that children in these families will live in neighborhoods with good schools, have safe and affordable housing, or have good jobs.