NCJ Number
221600
Editor(s)
Joann Grayson
Date Published
2007
Length
7 pages
Annotation
After profiling the children of incarcerated parents and the impact of having their parents incarcerated, this article discusses intervention goals and practices.
Abstract
Nationwide, more than 2 million children have a parent who is incarcerated in a State or Federal prison or a jail. The impact of a parent's incarceration on a child will vary according to a number of factors; however, it is likely the impact will involve risks for problem behaviors and emotional disorders. Goals for interventions generally include breaking the cycle of incarceration within the family; providing a safe and secure environment for the child; helping the child deal with the trauma of losing a parent; teaching the child ways to deal with shame; avoiding offering false hope; having the child keep contact with the parent where feasible; and having the parent and child reunite when this can benefit the child. A discussion of various interventions that can assist in the child's positive adjustment include arrest practices that avoid the child being present, making placement decisions that are in the best interests of the child, sentencing considerations that facilitate parent-child visits, parent training while parents are incarcerated, and parent-child visitation programs. Community programs for children whose parents are incarcerated should include mentoring, plans for reunification when the parent is released from incarceration, and collaborative efforts among community public and private organizations with various resources. In combination, intervention services should address the needs of incarcerated parents in their parental roles, the developmental needs of the children, and the needs of the family as a unit.