How Incarceration Affects the Parent-Child Relationship and Family Dynamics

Abstract

The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world (Pew Charitable Trust, 2008). More than one in 100 adults are incarcerated and many of these individuals are parents who have one or more children who are under the age of eighteen. Therefore, 1.7 million children are affected by parental incarceration (Glaze & Maruschak, 2008). Children who have incarcerated parents are exposed to factors that put them at risk for increased delinquency and maladjustment in childhood (Aaron & Dallaire, 2010). Parental incarceration is a heart-wrenching topic, but needs to be discussed because it can negatively impact children and families. Thus, this chapter will explore how parental incarceration affects children and families. Specifically, the various relationships of parent-child, caregiver-child, parent-caregiver, and sibling relationships will be explored. In addition, this chapter will examine the developmental impacts parental incarceration has, legal recommendations, and interventions for children and families affected by parental incarceration.