Coparenting in Kinship Families with Incarcerated Mothers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The number of incarcerated mothers has risen steadily in the past 20 years, with a majority of the mothers’ children being cared for by relatives, usually the maternal grandmother (Smith, Krisman, Strozier, & Marley, 2004). This article examines the unique coparenting relationship of grandmothers and mothers through qualitative individual interviews with a sample of 24 incarcerated mothers with children between the ages of 2 and 6, and 24 grandmothers raising their children. The study revealed many different variants of healthy coparenting alliances, achieved against often huge odds. Much variation was also discovered in dyads where coparenting alliances were not as successful. Implications for practice include performing structural family assessments, enhancing jail education programs, and offering extended coparenting treatment after discharge.

Parenting While Incarcerated: Tailoring the Strengthening Families Program for use with jailed mothers

“…If children are residing with an alternate caregiver during jail terms when the length of stay is relatively brief, it is critically important for the mother to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship with this person (Strozier et al, 2011). Effective cooperation and communication between the parent and the caregiver provides a consistent environment for children and can help in the transition when the parent is released (Cecil et al, 2008; Loper et al, 2009; Poehlmann, Shlafer, Maes, & Hanneman, 2008).…”

“…If mothers could use this time (even if it is short) to gain self-care skills and reflect on their relationships it might benefit their parenting. This is clearly a complex issue in many ways, including the fact that many of these mothers' children were being cared for by their own mothers, which may raise concerns about attachment, caregiving quality, and difficulties negotiating with the alternate caregiver (Strozier et al, 2011). A further complicating issue is the matter of addiction.…”

“…For example, many incarcerated mothers are experiencing drug addiction (Kjellstrand et al, 2012; Mumola, 2000), so addressing this issue is often warranted. Because mothers tend to be primary caregivers it is also vital to consider alternate care arrangements for their children and the quality of the relationship with the alternate caregivers, who may be family members (Loper, Carlson, Levitt, & Scheffel, 2009; Strozier, Armstrong, Skuza, Cecil, & McHale, 2011). Issues of custody and anticipated future caregiving needs also may be relevant.…”

Strengthening Incarcerated Families: Evaluating a Pilot Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents and Their Caregivers

“…Even if brief (e.g., a short jail stay), caregiving changes can cause notable family-level disruption. Incarcerated parents and caregivers alike note parenting and family interactions as a source of stress (Kazura, 2001;Strozier, Armstrong, Skuza, Cecil, & McHale, 2011;Young & Smith, 2000). Children may feel abandoned and express anger toward the caregiver, and in turn, caregivers may be angry with the incarcerated parent and/or resent or punish a child who rejects help (Mackintosh et al, 2006;Nesmith & Ruhland, 2011;Poehlmann et al, 2008).…”

“…The quality of caregiver -parent relationships can shape family-level functioning; more harmonious dyads may cope more effectively with incarceration (Cecil et al, 2008;Poehlmann, 2005;Strozier et al, 2011). Caregivers who feel positively toward parents may take children to visit more frequently; those who do not may restrict access (Nesmith & Ruhland, 2011).…”