NCJ Number
226766
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 60 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 10-30
Date Published
March 2009
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined findings which support policy implementation of parent education programs in prison.
Abstract
Results indicate that this intervention resulted in parenting warmth, self-esteem, and legal knowledge about parenting over the 12-session course and gains were maintained or improved at an 8-week followup. The significant improvement in parenting attitudes and knowledge reflects mothers’ interest and motivation in maintaining their roles as mothers and their relationships with their children. Incarcerated mothers profess that they want to maintain family ties; at the same time, they often lack an understanding of what their far-away children and caregivers need. Separated from their children and families, these mothers can feel anxious and depressed. The kin caregivers who take the children into their homes are stressed by the emotional toll and financial resources necessary for the children. Anger, distrust, and conflict between mothers and caregivers are common, and these tensions spill into children’s lives and contribute to behavior problems. Incarcerated mothers can benefit from parent education to help them understand the needs of the children and caregivers they left back home. This class is often requested in the women’s prisons; subsequently, a version for fathers was developed with a slight modified curriculum. This course is currently taught at six men’s and women’s prisons in Virginia. Tables and references