Murder Sheet Podcast Summary

Episode: "Supporting the Children of Incarcerated Fathers: A Conversation with You Yes You’s Ericka Sanders and LaToya Highsaw"

Date: February 26, 2026
Hosts: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee
Guests: Ericka Sanders (Founder and Executive Director, UYesU), LaToya Highsaw (Family Law Attorney, IndyBar Board Volunteer with UYesU)

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the often-overlooked impact incarceration has on the children of incarcerated fathers, and explores how the Indiana-based nonprofit UYesU works to support these children and their families. Through candid, inspiring conversations with UYesU's founder, Ericka Sanders, and family law attorney and volunteer, LaToya Highsaw, the episode delves into the organization’s mission, practical services, and the profound influence that family connection and support can have on recidivism, rehabilitation, and healing familial wounds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Overlooked Collateral Damage of Incarceration

• The hosts highlight that while crime and punishment are common topics, the effect on inmates’ families—especially children—rarely receives attention.
  • “When a person is incarcerated, that impacts everyone in their lives. Perhaps most importantly, it could impact their children.” —Kevin Greenlee (02:21)
  • “[Children] have done nothing wrong, but they still have to live the consequences of that incarceration.” —Áine Cain (02:34)

UYesU: Mission & Founding Story

• UYesU began as a one-off father-daughter dance in 2014, inspired by Ericka Sanders' personal history and subsequently expanded into a comprehensive nonprofit.
  • “Everything that we do is focused on keeping incarcerated dads connected with their kids, building and or rebuilding relationships with their kids, but then also supporting them on their reentry journey as well.” —Ericka Sanders (05:23)

Comprehensive, Relationship-Based Programming

• Inside Prison:
  • Monthly Fatherhood Program led by a formerly incarcerated dad (07:15)
  • Biweekly Group Therapy ("Mindfully UY") with on-site therapists (07:15)
  • Father Connection Events where children can visit in a more informal, family-friendly environment—often the only opportunity for dads to have all their children together at once (07:33)
  • Storytelling Workshop to help dads explore identity and aspirations (08:12)
• Legal Assistance:
  • Help with paternity, guardianship, birth certificates, and adoption issues, both during and after incarceration (08:54)
• Family Support:
  • Barrier-busting funds, connections to resources, family outings, and ongoing support post-release (09:13)
• Reentry Support:
  • Assistance with housing, food, mental health, and more, with the aim to prevent recidivism and reunite families (09:53)
  • “We believe that by doing all of the things that we do inside the prison and also supporting them when they get out of prison, that our dads will not return to prison and that they will be present or more present with their kids.” —Ericka Sanders (09:53)

Genuine Impact on Families and Dads

• The guests share heartfelt feedback from participants who feel remembered and supported, relieving family stress.
  • “Oftentimes families are forgotten about in incarceration. They're going through incarceration as well...We want it to be worth your while, right? We want to provide a great opportunity for you.” —Ericka Sanders (11:11)
  • “They say how UYesU gives them this new perspective on life and a new meaning as to their looking forward to the next steps...” —LaToya Highsaw (12:46)

The Importance of Emotional Healing and Role Modeling

• Both guests have deep personal motivations, having witnessed or experienced family separation and the stigma of incarceration.
  • “I grew up without my dad...That has been, still is the hardest thing that I've ever had to navigate. A big part of UYesU is wanting to do for dads what I wish was done for my dad.” —Ericka Sanders (14:56)
  • “My brother... made some mistakes but he had young children...He is now, he's full custody of his kids. That's really all the kids know was him. So it was personal for me as well.” —LaToya Highsaw (20:54)
• The transformative effect of showing up with care:
  • “What can happen if you just show up for someone as they are? I am so curious about how their lives will turn out by just doing that.” —Ericka Sanders (19:27)

Legal Hurdles for Incarcerated Fathers

• Lack of paternity establishment and confusion about parental rights is a major issue.
  • “A lot of is paternity...We need to make sure they get service, you know, of any hearings so that they don't lose out on the chance of having their children adopted and then not being able to ever be in their life.” —LaToya Highsaw (23:55)
• The support does not end with release:
  • “What's so great is they follow you when you're released so [...] you're not just...some of them have been incarcerated for some years and they have to, they need that assistance when they're out.” —LaToya Highsaw (24:42)

Collaborating with Correctional Facilities

• UYesU enjoys strong institutional backing due to its clear, positive impact and minimal burden on facility staff:
  • “We have a beautiful relationship, partnership, collaboration with the Department of Correction...we really have an easy time. Easier time.” —Ericka Sanders (27:13)

Application and Selection Process

• Fathers initiate their own involvement, with a competitive, criteria-based system focusing on safety, conduct, and residency requirements.
  • “All of our dads, they just request an application from their case manager...There's approximately maybe 13 to 1600 men at each of those facilities and we only accept 30.” —Ericka Sanders (30:23)

The Trauma and Needs of Children

• The absence of a parent due to incarceration can be more traumatic than parental death, leading to academic, social, and emotional struggles.
  • “A lot of our kids struggle socially, academically, physically, mentally and [...] if you ask them, they will tell you it's because I just miss my dad.” —Ericka Sanders (33:55)
  • “No one really asks them how they feel. If you ask them, they'll tell you...I’m often the first person that's ever asked, 'How do you feel about your dad being incarcerated?'” —Ericka Sanders (35:06)
• The importance of breaking secrecy and shame:
  • “A lot of kids don't talk about that their dad is incarcerated. It's a big secret. It's embarrassing.” —Ericka Sanders (36:40)
  • “What I've seen too is it just...it's not just the dad and the kiddos that have to put in that work, which was amazing that UYesU incorporates the moms.” —LaToya Highsaw (37:29)

Support Beyond Indiana & Fostering Honesty

• Suggestions for supporting children outside UYesU’s service area:
  • Facilitate peer connections, seek school social work support, and pursue therapy for children experiencing loss or confusion (40:50–42:37).
  • “There's nothing like just telling the truth, you know, where dad is, why he's there. It really, really is beneficial in the long run.” —Ericka Sanders (42:37)

Changing the Narrative, Encouraging Pride and Progress

• The program encourages kids to celebrate the hard work their fathers are doing rather than feel shame.
  • “We want our kids to be proud of their dad, you know, and celebrate them at the work that they're doing.” —Ericka Sanders (45:00)
  • “When you get out of here and if you handle your business right…and your kids get old enough to realize your journey…you're a superhero.” —Ericka Sanders (39:02)

How to Support UYesU’s Mission

• The organization welcomes donations, social media amplification, volunteers, and most of all, open-mindedness:
  • “Not everybody has, you know, means to donate...following us on social media...if you hear conversations...encourage people that there are incarcerated dads that are being dads.” —Ericka Sanders (46:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You shouldn't judge anyone by their mistakes, right?...I see [UYesU] is really about breaking the cycle.” —LaToya Highsaw (20:54)
• “Everything that we do is about connection and relationships and seeing people, not for why you're here, but where do you want to go?” —Ericka Sanders (14:11)
• “We become a family inside...We're family, you know what I mean? And families just...tell the truth…there are no secrets.” —Ericka Sanders (45:17)
• “Just letting [the kids] know, like, if I could be at your basketball game, I would...It goes a long way.” —LaToya Highsaw (44:34)
• “We should want people who are incarcerated to get out and lead happy, productive lives from there. It should not be something where we just want people to be shamed and downtrodden after they get out.” —Áine Cain (48:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction to overlooked family impact: 01:57–02:41
• Ericka Sanders’ background and UYesU’s founding: 05:11–05:23
• Detailed overview of UYesU programming: 07:15–09:53
• Testimonials and program impact: 11:08–13:46
• Personal stories / Motivation of guests: 14:56–16:49, 20:54–22:30
• Legal challenges for incarcerated fathers: 23:37–24:54
• Relationships with DOC and facilities: 27:13–29:13
• Entry and criteria for UYesU: 30:07–32:19
• Children's trauma and needs: 32:19–36:06
• Bridging family rifts and reducing stigma: 36:40–39:02
• Advice for supporting kids with incarcerated parents (general): 40:18–43:48
• Celebrating dads’ work over shame: 45:00–46:05
• How to help UYesU’s mission: 46:37–48:25
• Heartfelt memories and success stories: 49:16–53:36

Closing Reflection

This rich episode is a testament to the transformative effect of empathy, continuity of care, and family support in the context of incarceration. UYesU’s innovative blend of therapeutic, legal, and practical assistance strengthens family bonds and lays the groundwork for genuine rehabilitation, impacting lives across generations. The stories, insights, and actionable advice shared are invaluable, reminding listeners that repair is possible and that “breaking the cycle” is a community effort.