Mental Health Implications for Children of Incarcerated Parents

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Nationally, approximately 1.7 million children have an incarcerated parent, which can have an impact on a child’s mental health, social behavior, and educational attainment. One way to mitigate some of the mental health implications for children is consistent and healthy contact with the incarcerated parent. However, visitation procedures and guidelines vary depending on the facility, staff and resources available. To gain insight into different visitation procedures, we contacted jails in Western Pennsylvania and asked about their visitation protocols, especially for families and how these have changed due to COVID-19. We present possible solutions that could help mitigate the restrictions placed on family visits and assist in strengthening family bonds. We also draw from a cross-national perspective and discuss how prisons in Germany regulate their family visits.

Authors

• Rachel Becker, French Creek Recovery Center

• Sarah Kuehn, Slippery Rock University