NCJ Number
226768
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 60 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 66-90
Date Published
March 2009
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study examined inmate perceptions of communicating concepts covering the American criminal justice system to children of incarcerated parents.
Abstract
Results reveal that inmates today value in the various prison education programs, and were able to suggest means of addressing communication and education issues for their children to avoid incarceration in the future. Inmates understand the importance that communication plays in both their and their children’s understanding of the criminal justice system, essentially supporting previous research on providing realistic understanding on how children are negatively influenced on the impact of choosing violence. Topics for curriculum and changes in educational content, which could mean less incarceration, were suggested. Suggestions from inmates based on themes relating to understanding law, understanding realities of prison life, value of education, ways of interacting with law enforcement, and value of discipline were evident in order to prepare the needed material to reach these youth. The inmates emphasized re-educating parent/caregivers and policymakers about areas in which to protect and nurture youth. Data were collected during open-ended interviews and group interaction sessions conducted with inmate respondents at two State prisons in Arkansas. Figures, notes, and references