NCJ Number
147221
Date Published
1993
Length
217 pages
Annotation
This study examined the social dimensions of the need to care for children whose mothers are incarcerated. The problems of inmate mothers and the effects on her psychosocial well- being, her children, and her children's caretaker, are discussed.
Abstract
Following a literature review, the research methodology is outlined. Data were gathered from tests, interviews, and observations relating to 150 mothers incarcerated in Ohio and 27 children of inmate mothers, and 18 caretakers of inmate mothers' children. The findings showed that inmates' children were having problems in all aspects of their lives, including school, dealings with adult authority figures, and interpersonal peer relationships. Most of the children had experienced multiple disruptions in their childhood development, maternal-child, adult-child, and sibling relationships. The older children showed high degrees of resentment, fatalism, and embarrassment over their mothers' status. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for the correctional system, child welfare system, child and adolescent mental health system, juvenile justice and domestic court system, schools, and police agencies. 27 tables, 10 appendixes, and 116 references