Supporting imprisoned mothers and their children

Abstract

Maternal imprisonment can disrupt the motherÀchild relationship, resulting in social, emotional and physical consequences for both mothers and their children. There are a number of programmes that seek to foster this relationship during imprisonment. However, research to date can only comment on any short term impact of these programmes. On the basis of a review of the existing research, this article argues that a much stronger evidence base is needed, particularly in relation to the longer term impact of prison programmes that support the motherÀchild relationship. With many mothers typically resuming their parenting responsibilities post-release, we must be clear that these programmes provide women with the foundation, knowledge and skills to support and strengthen their family relationships upon release.

Children of Imprisoned Parents and Their Coping Strategies: A Systematic Review

“…A few studies investigated maternal imprisonment and found disruption of the mother child relationship as well as social, emotional and physical problems in their children [11,12]. Furthermore, maternal imprisonment involves practical, economic and social changes for the affected families.…”

“…Children can get affected through movements from their homes and unstable care agreements. In general, maternal imprisonment is very stressful for the affected children, with a high incidence of mental health problems [11,12]. On the other hand, paternal imprisonment seems to affect the children in a more emotional way.…”

Parenting While Incarcerated: Tailoring the Strengthening Families Program for use with jailed mothers

“…A national survey of wardens of state-run correctional facilities found that parenting programs existed in 90% of female-only facilities; most did not involve visitation (Hoffmann, Byrd, & Kightlinger, 2010). Programs vary in their approach and quality (e.g., whether evidence-based or not) and are rarely rigorously evaluated (Burgess & Flynn, 2013). Recent evaluations of corrections-based programs have shown improved parenting attitudes (Palusci, Crum, Bliss, & Bavolek, 2008); decreased parent stress and depression and increased positive child interaction (Eddy, Martinez, & Burraston, 2013); increased knowledge of child development, less endorsement of corporal punishment, and a more mature view of the parenting role (Sandifer, 2008); and reduced distress around visitation (Loper & Tuerk, 2011).…”

“…Research on parenting programs in correctional settings (Block & Potthast, 2001; Perry, Fowler, Heggie, & Barbara, 2010) as well as on the outside (Kaminski, Valle, Filene, & Boyle, 2008) suggests that programs are most effective when they include a practice component. Yet, child visits can be stressful for mothers (Loper et al, 2009) and benefits of visitation may vary with child age (Burgess & Flynn, 2013). Although not all jails have regular child visitation, they are located closer to families, which could make it feasibly for women could practice new skills with their children.…”

“…Finally, although outcome evaluations have been conducted for some parenting programs in prisons (Eddy et al, 2013; Loper & Tuerk, 2011), most programs are still not evaluated (Burgess & Flynn, 2013; Hoffmann et al, 2010). The transient nature of the jailed population highlights the challenges to both effective implementation and sustainable evaluation.…”