Parent in Prison Family
Description
- A family who has one parent that is currently in prison.
Common Problems
- Other parent has to work more hours to make up for lost income.
- Family may have to move due to being unable to afford their current housing.
- Grandparents or other relatives who help take care of the child incur financial expenses.
- Legal fees such as lawyers add up.
- Mixed feelings on whether or not the child should visit the parent in prison.
Statistics
- In the 1970s, there were around 340,000 Americans incarcerated; today, there are approximately 2.3 million.
- Since the war on drugs began in the 1980's, the rate of children with incarcerated mothers increase 100% and incarcerated fathers more than 75%.
- One report found that the number of children who have experienced parental incarceration at least once in their childhood may range from 1.7 million to 2.7 million.
- The rate of parenthood among those incarcerated is roughly the same as the rate in the general population: 50 percent to 75 percent of incarcerated individuals report having a minor child.
Parents
- Update the incarcerated parent on big milestones that happen while they are in prison.
- Talk respectfull about the incarcerated parent whie around their child. Talking negatively or criticizing the parent in front of the child will lead to feelings of confusion and stress for the child.
- If possible, allow the child to remain in contact with the parent while they are in prison. This allows them to stay connected which is beneficial for when the parent is released. If, however, the child did not have a good relationship with the parent before they were incarcerated, do not force this.
- Be honest with your child. It is best for them to hear the truth from you rather than from a friend or neighbor about where their parent is.
- Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Remind them that this is not their fault.
Students
- Children with incarcerated parents are six times more likely to become incarcerated themselves as they engage in criminal behavior.
- Students may become depressed, show an increase in aggression, and have antisocial behavior.
- Children of an incarcerated parent often have low educational attainment.
- The child may feel like the parent being incarcerated is somehow their fault.
- They have restricted economic resources available for their support due to the decrease in the family income.
- If the child had a close relationship with the incarcerated parent, the issues and risk factors listed above may become exacerbated. If the parent presented problems for the child, the removal may benefit the child.
For Teachers
- Teachers should collaborate with the child's other parent, family members, or caregivers to be able to create a positive school setting for the child. This involves sharing the student's successes, struggles, and any concerns.
- Teachers can assist students by implementing behavioral and academic supports, help the students learn to self-regulate their behaviors, challenge students by establishing high expectations for them, and understand their areas of vulnerability and understanding their negative behaviors.
- Establish themselves as a trusted and caring adult.
- Collaborate with school-based mental health professionals.
Sources
- https://www.prisonfellowship.org/resources/support-friends-family-of-prisoners/coping-incarceration-loved-one/raising-children-with-a-parent-in-prison/
- https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/hidden-consequences-impact-incarceration-dependent-children
- https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/federal-tools-resources/tip-sheet-teachers
- https://aspe.hhs.gov/basic-report/prisoners-and-families-parenting-issues-during-incarceration