Understanding Czech Children's Experiences of Parental Incarceration

• In Event: Generational Sentences: Childhood, Justice, and Family Separation

Abstract

Czechia has the 13th largest prison population in Europe (WPB, 2024). Prison Fellowship International Czechia estimates that there are up to 40 000 children with incarcerated parents in Czechia (MVS, 2024). Despite the potential emotional, social and financial challenges faced by families of prisoners, little research has been dedicated to the experiences of prisoners’ families in Czechia.
This study examines the experiences of Czech children of prisoners and their primary caregivers (mostly mothers and grandmothers), specifically through the lens of Ambiguous Loss theory. Despite a broad consensus on the relevance of Ambigous Loss theory in the context of prisoners’ children, little research has explored it specifically. This research aims to fill that gap by exploring Czech children’s (and their primary caregivers’) experiences through this theoretical framework.

A qualitative approach was employed, 51 semi-structured interviews were conducted – with children, primary caregivers as well as Criminal Justice System professionals. The sample included children who lived in institutional care settings and was ethnically diverse. Data were collected in two largest cities in Czechia – Prague and Brno.

Findings indicate that the theory of Ambiguous Loss is relevant to the experiences of Czech children with incarcerated parents and their primary caregivers. The study highlights the need for individualised and nuanced support strategies, particularly regarding how children are informed about parental imprisonment. Policy and practice should prioritise tailored interventions that address both the needs of the children and the needs of their primary caregivers.

Author

• Eliska Duskova, University of Cambridge