Having parents involved in the criminal justice system can present a range of difficulties for children. These challenges include psychological strain, antisocial behavior, school suspension or expulsion, economic hardship, and potential involvement in criminal activity. Predicting the outcome for a child with an intermittently or continually incarcerated parent is challenging, as research findings on risk factors are mixed.
However, studies suggest that the strength of the parent-child bond and the quality of social support significantly influence a child's ability to overcome challenges and succeed in life. To ensure the well-being of these children and facilitate successful re-entry for incarcerated parents, it is critical for correctional practitioners to build strong partnerships with law enforcement, public schools, and child welfare agencies. Understanding the unique dynamics of each family involved is essential in establishing a safety net for the child.
The surge in the number of incarcerated individuals in the United States has been widely addressed. In the 1970s, approximately 340,000 Americans were incarcerated, whereas today, the number has risen to around 2.3 million. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in the number of mothers and fathers with dependent children in prison.
Research indicates that children of incarcerated parents are, on average, six times more likely to become incarcerated themselves. However, the association between parental incarceration and childhood aggression is not straightforward. While some children exhibited an increase in aggression (particularly those who displayed aggression prior to the parent's incarceration), others experienced a decrease in aggression, especially when the incarcerated parent had lived in the home and faced drug and alcohol issues.
Moreover, parental incarceration often contributes to lower levels of educational attainment for children. Economic resources for these families are generally restricted, with one study reporting a 22% reduction in family income during the period of incarceration and a 15% reduction after re-entry.
Addressing the systemic challenges that contribute to the criminalization of parents is crucial. By recognizing these challenges and building comprehensive support systems, we can empower children and families affected by parental incarceration for a brighter future.
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Citations:
Rebecca Shlafer, Erica Gerrity, Ebony Ruhland, and Marc Wheeler, Children With Incarcerated Parents — Considering Children's Outcomes in the Context of Family Experiences (St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, 2013).
Susan Roxburgh and Chivon Fitch, "Parental Status, Child Contact, and Well-Being Among Incarcerated Men and Women," Journal of Family Issues 35 no. 10 (2014): 1394-1412; Christopher Mumola, Incarcerated Parents and Their Children (pdf, 12 pages), Special Report, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, August 2000, NCJ 182335.
https://www.childrensdefense.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cradle-to-prison-pipeline-overview-fact-sheet-2009.pdf