ObjectiveTo qualitatively explore the impact of parental incarceration on children and families from the perspective of the incarcerated parent in a county jail.BackgroundAn estimated 5 million U.S. children experience parental incarceration. A limited number of studies have examined the impact of parental incarceration on the child(ren) and family from the perspective of the incarcerated parent.MethodsA convenience sample of 26 parents incarcerated in an urban county jail were interviewed. Parents were asked about how their incarceration has affected their child(ren). Glaser and Strauss's constant comparative method was used for analysis.ResultsFive major themes were identified including parental incarceration creates a significant hardship on most children and families; there are many barriers for parents to communicate and maintain relationships with their children while incarcerated; incarcerated parents experience many challenges understanding and navigating the criminal justice system; the pervasive cycle of incarceration; and the need for more programs and services.ConclusionParents generally perceive that their incarceration negatively impacts their children and family in a multitude of ways and express concern about their children's health and safety. Inmates have concrete suggestions for programming and policy changes that they believe would benefit their relationship with their children and lessen the negative impact of their incarceration on their children.ImplicationsThis study offers insights into the perceived challenges children and families face during parental incarceration in jail. The results provide both correctional facilities and community organizations with concrete ideas for how to better support families experiencing incarceration.
The number of women in United States prisons has increased, with the most rapid growth among women of childbearing age. Detrimental effects on maternal-infant attachment have been shown to exist when mothers and infants are separated at birth. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the impact of an out-of-prison nursery program, Baby and Mother Bonding Initiative (BAMBI), on maternal-infant attachment and nurturing competencies among women who gave birth while incarcerated. A sample of 41 participants was recruited through a “Closed” BAMBI Alumni Facebook page and nonprobability snowball sampling. Participants were surveyed, and responses were submitted online or via mail. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and logistic regression. Results indicated that the number of children living in the mother's household was a significant predictor of positive maternal nurturance. Inversely, the high number of children in the household was the most significant predictor of increased risk for infants to have insecure attachment to mothers. As the number of women giving birth in prisons continues to trend upward, the need for more programs to promote best outcomes for both mother and infants is crucial.
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