Alex

As part of a new outreach program through Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street is introducing a new muppet guest character — a boy named Alex whose father is in jail.

The program is called "Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration" and aims to teach kids coping mechanisms to deal with feelings of anger and shame that stem from having a parent in prison, according to the Sesame Workshop website.

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Though Alex will not be a regular on Sesame Street, his appearance encourages children to talk about their feelings with an adult and teaches young viewers the meaning of "incarceration."

Watch a clip of Alex's role on Sesame Street here: