Directory of Research

1. Perspectives of Children and Young People with a Parent in Prison

This research was conducted in Scotland although it can be read and learned from by people from any country. It notes that in Scotland in 2009 there were more children with a parent in prison than experiencing divorce, and explores the idea that separation as a result of parental imprisonment is traumatic for those children. The report looks at literature around this trauma including the likeliness of these children developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and offending behaviours in later life. The researcher interviewed a small sample of children, young people and some carers. The findings were concerned with experiences e.g. grandparental care of children, the want for their views being taken into account by a judge and the impact the imprisonment of a parent has had on them e.g. levels of anxiety. The report concludes that children's rights, views and best interests must be taken into account in the event of parental imprisonment and makes recommendations for Scottish Policy, courts, remand and sentencing. See Perspectives of Children below: Click here

2. Imprisoned Fathers: The Children's View

This is a key peer reviewed study into Children of Prisoners which notes that children are often victims of their parent's imprisonment. Further, the relationship between children and their imprisoned fathers has been ignored in research (previous to this) in particular and the views of the children in question are often not accounted for nor reflected in findings. This National Research thoroughly examines the role the imprisoned fathers play in the parenting of their children, including a vital exploration of children's opinions and experiences. The article outlines these things whilst also touching on what it means for those who are part of systems involved in sentencing, prison visits, schools and social support. Access Imprisoned Fathers here if you have a Wiley log in: Click here

3. Every Night You Cry: Case studies of 15 Bristol families with a father in prison

This report presents the case studies of 15 families in Bristol where the father is in prison. The report aims to raise awareness of the emotional and practical impact that the imprisonment of a father has on his children and family, and seeks to explore the appropriate responses that relevant agencies should provide. Based on in depth interviews with mothers and children, the report draws out some of the main challenges and concerns associated with having a father in prison. The identified challenges included poverty issues, stresses on the mother, telling the school and visiting. The report includes extensive quotes from the families interviewed. Implications for practice and policy are drawn out from the analysis of the interviews. These include identification of families at a local level, support for families on the father's release and support for children's emotional wellbeing. See Every Night You Cry below: Click here

4. Every Night You Cry: The realities of having a parent in prison

This report looks at and aims to raise awareness of the realities of having a parent in prison. In-depth interviews were conducted with Mothers and Children with a Father in prison. The findings are analysed within the five Every Child Matters outcomes which include economic achievement, enjoying and achieving, being healthy, staying safe and making positive contributions. Challenges around maintaining family ties are also found and discussed here. The report holds many quotes from the Mothers and Children interviewed. Implications for policy and practice are highlighted, such as the recording of children of offenders and the courts' responsibility to take children's wellbeing into consideration when sentencing. See Every Night You Cry below: Click here

5. Strategic planning for support services for children with a parent or close relative in prison

This peer reviewed article notes that while statutory services support for children of prisoners is key, it is likely to be minimal and that decisions around provision are made according to local circumstance e.g. budgets, need, local politics etc. The researchers used a typology of different cultures which ground local authority service provision for children of prisoners and identify the gaps and problems within attempts to align different services into a clear provision pattern in one local authority. There is an exploration of how a change in strategic culture can lead to improvements in service provision. Read about Strategic Planning for support services on Wiley online if you have access. Download Stategic Planning for support services below: Click here

6. Representations of Attachment Relationships in Children of Incarcerated Mothers

This peer reviewed article looks at representations of attachment relationships which were assessed in 54 children ages 2 to 7 years whose mothers were in prison. The research found that 63% of the children were classified as having insecure relationships with mothers and caregivers. Secure relationships were more likely found in children who lived in a stable caregiving environment, when children reacted to separation from the mother with sadness instead of anger, and when children were older. Common reactions to initial separation included sadness, worry, confusion, anger, loneliness, sleep problems, and a regression in development. Results highlight the need for support for families affected by maternal imprisonment; especially efforts to promote stable, continuous placements for children, in addition to noting the importance of longitudinal research with this growing but understudied group. View at Wiley Online or download for free below:   Click here