Arresting Parents: What About the Children?

• In Event: Children/Youth, Trauma, Mental Health and Delinquency or Justice Issues

Abstract

Witnessing an arrest of a parent is one of the most traumatic events for children. Safeguarding children during and after the arrest of parents is therefore a significant element in the law enforcement practice. More awareness is needed. Focused protocols to expand the care for children may reduce trauma, decrease negative consequences for children’s wellbeing and make arrests more effective.
In this qualitative study we interviewed 24 employees of diverse involved agencies. We studied the current practice regarding the care for children during arrest situations and derived positive and negative aspects in contemporary procedures. In addition, we reviewed the literature on international practices for safeguarding children during parental arrest. We developed best practices for the Dutch system by combining qualitative interview results with results from the literature study on existing protocols.
We conclude that in preparation of arrests, during arrests and after arrests, progress can be made. The main actions that will add to current efforts are 1) more awareness of the unintended negative consequences that parental arrest causes, 2) improved collaboration between agencies and 3) training in parental arrests. We developed accessible best practices to reduce trauma among children and reduce ineffectiveness during parental arrests.

Author

• Joni Reef, University of Leiden