Inmate Family Functioning

Abstract

Two-hundred-nine noninmates and 169 inmates completed questionnaires that assessed retrospective perceptions of 12 dimensions of family life and one overall assessment of quality of family life. Between the inmates and noninmates, means for all dependent variables differed significantly except for self-reliance; however, meaningful eta-squares were found only for dimensions of bridging, disengagement, and quality of life. Among the independent-samples t tests for gender, eta-squares were not meaningful. Implications for family life interventions in correctional facilities are suggested.

Incarcerated Fathers and Their Children

“…However, the authors reported many incarcerated fathers were open to interventions to address those limitations and to improve the lives of their children. The findings are congruent with prior research on inmates showing they often realize their family relationships prior to incarceration were imperfect and they welcomed the opportunity while in prison to address and improve those relationships (Carlson & Cervera, 1991;Klein et al, 2002). Hairston's (2007) more recent study found family ties had positive effects on the postrelease success of those male prisoners who consistently maintained family ties during incarceration and assumed familial responsibilities after release.…”

“…Most of the men she surveyed (75%) reported high levels of closeness, contact, and involvement prior to incarceration. In contrast, in their study of inmate family functioning, Klein, Bartholomew, and Hibbert (2002) found inmates had high levels of disengagement and low cohesion among their family units. However, the authors reported many incarcerated fathers were open to interventions to address those limitations and to improve the lives of their children.…”

“…Hairston's (2007) more recent study found family ties had positive effects on the postrelease success of those male prisoners who consistently maintained family ties during incarceration and assumed familial responsibilities after release. Klein et al (2002) discovered family relationships were important to prisoners and impacted individual well-being and success after incarceration. A comprehensive study of male and female inmates in the Florida prison system showed visitation reduced the probability of recidivism by as much as 30% (Bales & Mears, 2008).…”

“…The literature suggests that addressing institutional barriers will strengthen social bonds and social support for inmates, thereby contributing to fewer behavioral problems in prison, and ultimately to successful prisoner reentry into society (Bales & Mears, 2008;Hairston, 1989Hairston, , 2007Klein et al, 2002;Lanier, 1993). The literature further identifies preexisting family relationships as playing an important role in the development of support.…”

Incarcerated Fathers

“…For example, researchers have recently confirmed a strong relationship between family contact during incarceration and lower rates of recidivism (Bales & Mears, 2008;Hairston, 2002;Klein, Bartholomew, & Hibbert, 2002). Inmates visited more often and more recently had the lowest rates of recidivism in a large study of prison visitation in Florida (Bales & Mears, 2008).…”