NCJ Number
193711
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 41 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2002 Pages: 14-26
Date Published
February 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article investigates children's views of and experiences concerning imprisoned fathers.
Abstract
Earlier research has shown that families where a parent is imprisoned are likely to suffer significant disadvantages, and to need additional and perhaps different support from intact families. All children interviewed for this study expressed positive feelings about visiting their fathers. Most expressed feelings of sadness or distress and commented on the changes (mostly negative) in their lives since their father's imprisonment. Their school experiences were a key factor in most of these children's lives. Many entertained a mixture of hopes and fears for their continuing and future relationships with their fathers. Other forms of contact that reminded children their absent father continued to think of them between visits included: letters, photographs, presents/cards, telephone calls, and tapes and videos. The article reflects briefly on the implications of study findings for sentencers, prison visiting, school, and social support systems. The article suggests that an integrated model of formal and informal social support may serve to incorporate both the prisoner's and the community's need to avoid reoffending, and to help children manage, maintain, and build upon their relationships with their fathers in prison. Note, references