The First 24 Hours: Formerly Incarcerated Mothers Negotiate Re-Entry

• In Event: Negotiating the Challenges of Reentry

Abstract

Formerly incarcerated mothers have significant needs that present barriers to successful re-entry and reunion with their children. Identified barriers include obtaining affordable housing, finding employment, overcoming substance abuse and mental health problems, addressing poor physical health, dealing with a history of childhood trauma and paying fines from their criminal past. Beginning with the first 24 hours, this research aims to gain a better understanding of how formerly incarcerated mothers negotiate the initial days of re-entry. Using a grounded theory approach, interviews were conducted with formerly incarcerated mothers from diverse communities and varying family dynamics. As record numbers of children are affected by parental incarceration, successful negotiation by formerly incarcerated mothers to reclaim the role of primary caregiver for their children can reduce the burden on child welfare agencies and other temporary caregivers. The primary focus of this research is to explore formerly incarcerated mothers’ negotiation of the first 24 hours after release from prison.

Author

• Danette Killinger, Rutgers University