“They Didn’t Even Let Me Say Goodbye”: Imprisoned Primary Carer Fathers Experiences of Arrest in Victoria, Australia

• In Event: Invisible Ties: Exploring Fatherhood and Criminal Justice

Abstract

This paper draws from data gathered for an Australian Research Council funded study conducted in Victoria and NSW between 2011-2015 that examined how dependent children are responded to when their primary carer is imprisoned, with a specific focus on how care is managed at the key points of arrest, incarceration and release. In particular, this paper aims to address a gap in research by providing new insights into the experiences of 34 incarcerated primary carer fathers at the point of arrest in Victoria. While data indicate that in 2012-13 there were 64,955 adult male arrests (Victoria Police, 2013), little formal attention has been paid to the parenting status of these men.

The paper examines whether fathers’ caring responsibilities are taking into consideration during the arresting process, as determined by the circumstances of their arrest. Key issues include: the primary location of paternal arrest; the presence, or absence, of children; participant’s perceptions of police awareness of children; and subsequent discussions between police and fathers about suitable care. Qualitative findings depict the absence of discussions about children when arresting fathers, whilst highlighting the demand for police guidelines regarding child sensitive practice when a primary carer father is arrested.

Authors

• Tess Bartlett, Monash University

• Catherine Flynn, Monash University

• Chris Trotter, Monash University