Exploring the potential challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents

Abstract

This study explores the various potential challenges which children encounter as a result of their parents’ imprisonment. Children are often treated as disregarded victims of crime when, in reality, they experience devastating changes in their lives and have no control over the situation. These children are not receiving the adequate attention that they need from their parents. The detrimental effects of parental detainment are manifested as physical, emotional, and cognitive consequences. These effects are further discussed through the theoretical framework from the perspective of stigmatisation. In particular cases, their parents’ imprisonment may appear as a relief to these children since they would have been exposed to violent or other abusive behaviour. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with professionals who work with prisoners and their children. The findings demonstrate that these children are not given primary importance, and thus, more sufficient action needs to be taken immediately.