Abstract
This chapter examines the parent-child bond when a parent is incarcerated in state or federal prison. The purpose is to prepare helping professionals to support children who wish to maintain relationships with their parents during prison sentences. The nature of the parent-child relationship is discussed, and practical strategies are proposed for helping parents to stay a part of their children's lives. Topics include visitation, video visits, phone calls, letter writing, emails, and parental participation in education. Logistics of these activities are discussed, and child-friendly activities are suggested to help prepare children for interacting with their parent within the context of the correctional system. Contraindications for such contact are also noted. The chapter concludes with recommendations for professional advocacy.
TopHonoring Children Of The Incarcerated
Incarceration can be a life-changing event for an entire family. A marriage or partnership may be disrupted, daily interactions between parent and child will almost certainly end, and financial support from one parent will likely become negligible or nonexistent. One need not strain their imagination to envision the stress and worry that could be placed upon a child. In the early 2000s, a group of advocates, government staff, and members of the helping professions formed the San Francisco Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership. This group released a bill of rights to advocate for children and families (listed in Table 1). These rights can serve as an overview of possible needs experienced by children with incarcerated parents.
The bill of rights is the result of extensive research and experience from its authors and speaks to the ways in which children should be respected. Unfortunately, the bill of rights is aspirational only in many cases. For example, access to physical contact, a voice in the process, and emotional support may be found lacking for many children. Readers are encouraged to consider the ways in which they can support these rights within their own work and community settings.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Social Learning Theory: A theory based on the work of Albert Bandura which states that new behaviors are developed by observing and imitating the behavior of others.
Helping Professionals: Individuals employed within fields designed to support the welfare of others, such as counselors, social workers, educators, and legal advocates.
Child Abuse and Mistreatment: Actions of an adult toward a minor child which cause the child physical or psychological harm.
Trauma: An event, or events, which were frightening to an individual and caused that individual to doubt their own safety or the safety of a loved one.
Parent-Child Bond: The emotional and physical connection between a parent and child.
Stress: An emotional and physiological feeling of tension or anxiety, typically in reaction to increased demands being placed upon a person due to challenging or irregular circumstances.
Advocacy: Proactive behaviors to support and enhance the rights, welfare, or needs of a person or community.