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Services to Children & Families of Prisoners

Parental incarceration and the disruption of family relationships can produce negative outcomes for children, including poverty, poor academic performance, aggression, depression, delinquency, and substance abuse. Incarcerated mothers and fathers are unable to work on parenting skills that may be necessary for reunification, and separation interferes with the ability of parent and child to form or maintain a strong attachment.

Family-centered services for incarcerated parents, their children, and families focus on parenting programs, family strengthening activities, nurturing of family relationships, community supports for families during incarceration and following release, and gender-specific interventions.

	Supporting Families with Incarcerated Parents: Strengthening Families (PDF - 108 KB) National Human Services Assembly (2005) Summarizes facts, risk factors, protective factors, program models, State and Federal initiatives, policy recommendations, resources, and practices and principles that support parents and strengthen families during incarceration.

Bringing Hope to Children of Incarcerated Parents: Short Report (PDF - 89 KB)
Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network (2004)
Characteristics and promising practices of programs for incarcerated parents.

Family Programming for Incarcerated Parents: A Needs Assessment Among Inmates
Kazura
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 32(4), 2001
View Abstract
Designed to determine inmates' family and parenting issues and concerns, and to assess their interest in formal and informal family services. Results demonstrate that male and female inmates have differing concerns but that both incarcerated mothers and fathers seem to value their parental identity and family commitments.

Fatherhood Arrested: Parenting From Within the Juvenile Justice System
Nurse (2002)
View Abstract
Examines the issues of fathering from prison, young fathers as parolees, and the impact of imprisonment on later father involvement. Recommends several policies that will nurture the relationships between incarcerated fathers and their children.

The Implications of Incarceration for Children and Families (PDF - 121 KB)
Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
Data Trends, 91, 2004
Explores the experiences of children and families when a parent is incarcerated. Discusses the need for greater attention to services and policy development for this population.

Prison Parenting Programs: A National Survey
Hughes & Harrison-Thompson
The Social Policy Journal, 1(1), 2002
View Abstract
Surveyed 745 State prisons to gather data on their parent populations and prison parenting programs. Findings revealed significant differences by gender among prisons and program structures.

Prisoners Once Removed: The Impact of Incarceration and Reentry on Children, Families, and Communities
Travis & Michelle (Eds.) (2003)
View Abstract
Addresses the consequences of imprisonment and reentry for individual prisoners, their families, and the communities to which these prisoners return.

Representations of Attachment Relationships in Children of Incarcerated Mothers
Poehlmann
Child Development, 76(3), 2005
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Most children of incarcerated mothers were classified as having insecure relationships with mothers and caregivers. Results highlight need for support in families affected by maternal imprisonment.

Responding to Children and Families of Prisoners: A Community Guide
Adalist-Estrin & Mustin (2003, rev. ed.)
View Abstract
Suggests strategies for meeting the needs of family members of prisoners focusing on promoting family relationships, skills, and faith. All aspects of the planning process are outlined.

Saturday Morning at the Jail: Implications of Incarceration for Families and Children
Arditti, Lambert-Shute, & Joest
Family Relations, 52(3), 2003
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Interviews with caregivers visiting an incarcerated family member during children's visiting hours gathered information about family, health, economics, and the legal aspects of the inmate's situation. Implications for family practice and policy are discussed.

Special Focus on Incarcerated Parents
Family Support America, 22(3), 2003
View Abstract
This special issue focuses on incarcerated parents and describes some successful models for supporting families with incarcerated parents. An overview of issues that need to be addressed in such support programs is provided.

Welfare Peer TA Roundtable: Bringing Hope to Children of Incarcerated Parents (PDF - 1109 KB)
Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network (2003)
Best practices for strengthening families separated by parental incarceration; summarizes challenges and describes program models.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Out-of-home care: Children in out-of-home care with incarcerated parents

Updated on October 29, 2009