Unmet Mental Health Needs of Jailed Parents With Young Children

Abstract

ObjectiveMental health symptoms in jailed parents with young children were examined in relation to gender, race, trauma, parenting stress, and supports.BackgroundMost U.S. incarceration occurs in jails, which are notorious for high rates of mental illness. Jail incarceration is a significant stressor for families because most incarcerated individuals are parents.MethodThe sample included 165 jailed parents with children (aged 2–6 years) who completed an interview and questionnaires. Relative risk analyses determined symptom severity, and multivariate analysis of variance tested differences in White and non‐White mothers and fathers. Ordinary least squares regression examined predictors of mental health symptoms.ResultsDepression and thought problems (hallucinations, strange thoughts, self‐harm) were the most common problems. Jailed mothers reported more depression, anxiety, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and drug abuse than fathers. Childhood physical abuse and parenting stress were associated with more symptoms, whereas family support related to fewer symptoms.ConclusionJailed parents experienced 3 to 5 times the odds of symptoms compared with norms, with a high rate of comorbidities relative to the low proportion of parents who received any mental health treatment.ImplicationsMental health interventions for jailed parents are needed, especially gender‐responsive, trauma‐informed services that decrease parenting stress and foster positive family connections.

Coparenting and Mental Health in Families with Jailed Parents

“…Incarcerated individuals frequently report mental health concerns, including depression, substance misuse, and alcoholism [19,20]. This is true for parents incarcerated in jails as well (e.g., [21,22]). In addition to elevated mental health symptoms in incarcerated parents, children's at-home caregivers are also at risk for experiencing stress, diminished parenting quality, and elevated mental health symptoms during a parent's incarceration [23].…”

Challenges Associated with Parenting While Incarcerated: A Review

“…Given the lack of control and forced separation associated with incarceration, it is not surprising that many parents who are incarcerated report experiencing psychological distress in addition to aforementioned mental health concerns prevalent in this population [ 56 ]. Parents who are jailed and have young children report elevated rates of depression and thought problems, such as hallucinations, strange thoughts, and self-harming behaviors [ 56 ]. Among jailed parents, rates of mental health symptoms are three to five times that of the general population, including high rates of comorbidities [ 56 ].…”

“…While the initial period of incarceration may represent the most apparent distress for mothers, it is also known that parental stress and conflicts with their children’s caregivers contribute to depression symptoms throughout an incarceration [ 60 ]. Notably, women who did not live with their children prior to their incarceration report considerable stress in being unable to fulfill a parental role in their children’s lives while incarcerated [ 56 ]. Although men also report significant stress associated with parenting [ 10 ], it has been documented that certain men view incarceration as a “dormant” period for fatherhood, with hopes of a “fresh start” when they re-enter the community [ 71 ].…”

“…Parents who are jailed and have young children report elevated rates of depression and thought problems, such as hallucinations, strange thoughts, and self-harming behaviors [56]. Among jailed parents, rates of mental health symptoms are three to five times that of the general population, including high rates of comorbidities [56]. Although those who are incarcerated experience higher rates of mental illness than the general population on average, it appears that parents who are incarcerated may face additional and unique psychological distress [57].…”

“When She Says Daddy”: Black Fathers’ Recidivism following Reentry from Jail

“…Another substantial reason for jail incarceration is revocation based on violation of the technical terms of parole or probation. At least one in four people who go to jail are rearrested within the same year, with many of those who return affected by mental illness, substance abuse, and poverty [ 3 , 10 ] Although mental illness and substance abuse are even more common in jail than in prison (e.g., [ 10 , 11 ]), a recent paper found that Black parents in jail were less likely to show mental illness than White parents in jail [ 12 ], suggesting different pathways to incarceration. It is unknown, however, if there are unique pathways to recidivism (and reintegration) among Black incarcerated fathers.…”