Moderating the Collateral Consequences of Incarceration on Children of Incarcerated Parents

• In Event: Children of Incarcerated Parents

Abstract

The growing number of children with an incarcerated parent represents one of the most significant collateral consequences of mass incarceration. A recent research report by Child Trends estimated that five million children had experienced a parent with whom they lived go to jail or prison at some point in their lives (7% of the U.S. population of children). Parental incarceration increases the risk of children living in poverty and/or experiencing household instability and homelessness. It has also been associated with children's behavioral problems. This paper will examine how co-parenting relationships may moderate the impact of a range of risk factors, including parental depression, on children's externalizing and internalizing behavior. Using data from the Building Strong Families Study (BSF) and a sample of fathers (N=854) that have ever been incarcerated in jail or prison, we hypothesize that higher quality co-parenting relationships will moderate the negative impact of risk factors on children's behavior. The paper will offer recommendations for practitioners to target and support co-parenting alliances as a protective factor for children experiencing parental incarceration.

Authors

• Barbara E. Bloom, Sonoma State University

• Alexandria Sarissa Pech, University of Arizona