Parents' Perspectives on the Impact of Their Incarceration on Children and Families

Abstract

ObjectiveTo qualitatively explore the impact of parental incarceration on children and families from the perspective of the incarcerated parent in a county jail.BackgroundAn estimated 5 million U.S. children experience parental incarceration. A limited number of studies have examined the impact of parental incarceration on the child(ren) and family from the perspective of the incarcerated parent.MethodsA convenience sample of 26 parents incarcerated in an urban county jail were interviewed. Parents were asked about how their incarceration has affected their child(ren). Glaser and Strauss's constant comparative method was used for analysis.ResultsFive major themes were identified including parental incarceration creates a significant hardship on most children and families; there are many barriers for parents to communicate and maintain relationships with their children while incarcerated; incarcerated parents experience many challenges understanding and navigating the criminal justice system; the pervasive cycle of incarceration; and the need for more programs and services.ConclusionParents generally perceive that their incarceration negatively impacts their children and family in a multitude of ways and express concern about their children's health and safety. Inmates have concrete suggestions for programming and policy changes that they believe would benefit their relationship with their children and lessen the negative impact of their incarceration on their children.ImplicationsThis study offers insights into the perceived challenges children and families face during parental incarceration in jail. The results provide both correctional facilities and community organizations with concrete ideas for how to better support families experiencing incarceration.

“Mommy, I Want to Talk to My Dad”: Exploring Parental Incarceration, Bibliotherapy, and Storybooks

“…Ultimately, children may fear for their incarcerated parent's safety. Correa et al (2021) suggested that young children generally have difficulty in understanding and grasping the nature of carceral systems. In the absence of clear communication about their parents, children's imaginations may leave them with unrealistic and growing anxieties.…”

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mindfulness, and Grit in College Students in China

“…Since then, the effects of ACEs have been studied in individuals at various phases of the human life span ( Brown et al, 2010 ; Isohookana et al, 2013 ; Crandall et al, 2020 ; Elmore et al, 2020 ). Parental incarceration, for example, has been reported to create significant challenges for children and families, such as maintaining parent-child relationships, throughout childhood and adolescence ( Correa et al, 2021 ). As well, the co-occurrence of multiple ACEs is a risk factor for a myriad of health conditions, including diabetes, chronic lung disease, depression, and suicidality, as well as risky behaviors like early sexual initiation and violence perpetration (see Hughes et al, 2017 for review).…”

Identifying the Impact of Incarceration on Parenting: An Examination of Incarcerated Parents' Perceptions in the “Reading for a Change” Program in Colorado

“…Children who do not acquire this attachment are at a higher risk for antisocial behavior (Marcus & Betzer, 1996) and delinquency (Hoeve et al, 2012). Recent literature has also illustrated incarcerated families' difficulties that impact their relationships with their children and spouses (Correa et al, 2021).…”

“…Children who do not acquire this attachment are at a higher risk for antisocial behavior (Marcus & Betzer, 1996) and delinquency (Hoeve et al, 2012). Recent literature has also illustrated incarcerated families' difficulties that impact their relationships with their children and spouses (Correa et al, 2021). The current investigation examines the potential impacts of incarceration on parent-child relationships as they relate to visitation and maintaining these relationships.…”