By Texas Parole 
While many Texas programs are designed to help incarcerated adults, very few programs address the needs of children affected by the situation.
Texas has a statewide program called Amachi Texas (pronounced uh-MAWCH’-ee). Amachi Texas is designed to address the special needs of these children and break the cycle of crime and incarceration and provide a chance for each child reach their highest potential. The Amachi Texas program ensures that these children will benefit both spiritually, mentally, and physically by having additional caring adults in their lives.
The Amachi Program was founded in 2001 with the collaboration of the University of Pennsylvania, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Pew Charitable Trust and Public Private Ventures. Amachi Texas is a joint venture between the Office of the Governor, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, OneStar Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas.
The Nigerian word “Amachi” means, “Who knows what God has brought us through this child?”
Studies have shown that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more confident, more likely to stay away from drugs and alcohol, do better in school, get along better with friends and family, and feel better about themselves.
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