Incarcerated Fathers

Abstract

Prior research indicates that strong family support can play an important role in helping men and women transition from prison to home and can actually reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Assuming traditional roles within a family, such as parent or spouse, can also aid in the reentry transition process and has been linked to positive outcomes after release. Using data from a longitudinal study of fathers returning to the community after a period of incarceration, this article examines how the relationship between fathers and their children may influence aspects of recently released fathers' lives that are important to a successful reentry transition, such as employment, abstinence from substance abuse, and mental health. Analyses show that fathers who have regular contact with their children before release and report good family support overall are more likely to be attached to their children after release. Moreover, in the first few months after release, fathers who are more strongly attached to their children work more hours per week, have better mental health, and are less likely to commit crime, get arrested, or violate conditions of their supervision.

Fatherhood, Reproductive Health, and Incarcerated Men: A Qualitative Study With Implications for Reentry

“…Men maintaining family relations may have lower recidivism and become more aware of parenting responsibilities (Roy & Dyson, 2005). Maintaining father-child relations during incarceration relates to continued fathering postrelease (Roettger & Swisher, 2013;Turney & Wildeman, 2013) and better reentry success for fathers (Visher, 2013;Visher et al, 2013). Understanding the experiences of incarcerated fathers may present an underutilized pathway for more successful rehabilitation and eventual reintegration.…”

“It’s Hard Out Here if You’re a Black Felon”: A Critical Examination of Black Male Reentry

“…In Visher’s (2013) study, assuming traditional roles within a family, such as father or parent, could also aid in the reentry transition, with further links to positive outcomes upon release. Using longitudinal data on fathers’ returning to the community post-incarceration, Visher (2013) examined how the relationship between fathers and their children might influence aspects of life for recently released fathers. Analyses confirmed that fathers who had regular contact with their children before reentry and good family support overall were more likely to be attached to their children.…”

Associations Between Incarcerated Fathers’ Cumulative Childhood Risk and Contact With Their Children

“…More frequent family visits while incarcerated both delay and reduce recidivism once an inmate is released (Bales & Mears, 2008). Contact with children during incarceration predicts a father’s level of attachment to them postrelease (Visher, 2013) and commitment to children may help released inmates desist from crime through the transition into an active father role (Uggen, Manza, & Behrens, 2004). Furthermore, the higher level of attachment that results from contact with children during incarceration has been found to predict a father’s postrelease work hours and mental health, as well as to reduce recidivism and parole violations (Bahr et al, 2005; Visher, 2013).…”

“…Contact with children during incarceration predicts a father’s level of attachment to them postrelease (Visher, 2013) and commitment to children may help released inmates desist from crime through the transition into an active father role (Uggen, Manza, & Behrens, 2004). Furthermore, the higher level of attachment that results from contact with children during incarceration has been found to predict a father’s postrelease work hours and mental health, as well as to reduce recidivism and parole violations (Bahr et al, 2005; Visher, 2013). Although contact may be harmful for children in certain circumstances (Eddy & Reid, 2003), research generally finds that incarcerated father–child contact has the potential to improve outcomes for fathers and children.…”

“…For example, consistent contact decreases the distress of fathers (Roxburgh & Fitch, 2013) and can strengthen family bonds (Hairston, 2007) during incarceration. It also increases fathers’ subsequent attachment and commitment to children, improves parole success, and reduces recidivism after release (Bahr, Armstrong, Gibbs, Harris, & Fisher, 2005; Visher, 2013).…”