Children of Incarcerated Parents Essay - 1814 Words

When a person becomes a parent, their role in life undoubtedly changes. The person must become a teacher, a guide, and a helping hand in the life of the child. Research has shown that there is a distinct connection between how a child is raised and their overall developmental outcome. John Bowlby’s attachment theory emphasizes the importance of the regular and sustained contact between the parent-infant or parent-child relationship (Travis Waul 2003). Yet, what happens when the only physical contact a child can share with their parent is a hand pressed on the shield of glass that separates the two? What happens when the last memory of their mother or father was from the corner of their own living room as they watched their parent†¦show more content†¦Children are forced to forfeit their homes, their safety, their public and self-image, and their primary source of comfort and affection (Bernstein 2005). A national survey found that almost 70% of children when prese nt when their parent was arrested (Bernstein 2005). Researcher Christina Jose Kamfner interviewed children who had witnessed their mother’s arrest and found that many suffered from post-traumatic stress symptoms; they could not concentrate or sleep and had flashbacks of the arrest (Bernstein 2005). The majority of the children at the scene of an arrest are taken away in a police car which is more intimidating than to say if they were taken away in a child welfare worker’s car (Bernstein 2005). Many of these children (is no other family is available) are shuffled around in the course of an arrest; the hospital for physical examinations first, then the police station for appropriate , â€Å"paperwork,† then to a juvenile detention center and lastly, they are deposited at a foster home (Bernstein 2005). Anyone can vouch that the process of what to do after the arrest is clearly a traumatizing one at that. After the arrest, children wait anxiously for the level of the sentence that their parent has to face. In most cases, children are unaware of why their parent is being sentenced because they were unaware that their parent was involved in the crime. Carl, for example, only rememberedShow MoreRelatedChildren of Incarcerated Parents1800 Words   |  8 PagesEffects on Children of Incarcerated Fathers Most of the prisons in America are overcrowded. They are overcrowded with men, most of which are fathers and nearly half of these incarcerated fathers were living with their child or children before going to prison. The effects on these children can be detrimental. This can also cause strained relationships with the mothers or other family members doing their best to take care of these children while their father is away. There can be social as well asRead MoreEssay on Incarcerated Parents and Their Children2290 Words   |  10 Pages The challenges of children who grow up with parents whom were incarcerated at some point in their childhood can have a major effect on their life. The incarceration of parents can at times begin to affect the child even at birth. Now with prison nurseries the impregnated mother can keep her baby during her time in jail. With the loss of their parent the child can begin to develop behavioral problems with being obedient, temper tantrums, and the loss of simple social skills. Never learningRead MoreChildren with Incarcerated Parents Essay1835 Words   |  8 PagesJustice And The effects on Children of Incarcerated Parents Loretta R. Lynch Capstone 480 Ms. Mel Jones Abstract Today prisons are overcrowded and over two million Americans, male, and female are sitting in jail or prison, and two thirds of those people incarcerated are parents (U.S. Department of Justice). Approximately two million of these children are separated from their mom or dad because of incarceration of which these are the custodial parent. These children suffer from poverty, inconsistencyRead MoreOutcomes for Children of Incarcerated Parents1867 Words   |  8 PagesAffecting Outcomes for the Invisible Casualties of War – The Children of Incarcerated Parents On December 31, 2005, 2,320,359 people were incarcerated in the United States. Of these inmates, 107,518 were female. As of 2004, the most recent date for which statistics are available, it is estimated that there are approximately 2.8 million children of incarcerated parents. Of this number, approximately 320,000 are children of incarcerated mothers. The problem with these estimates is that atRead MoreEssay on Helping Children with Incarcerated Parents2349 Words   |  10 Pagestoday is the 2.7 million children currently being left behind with incredible pain while their parents are being placed behind bars (Maier 91). They are left behind with not only pain, but the struggles of living day to day life without the guidance of their parents, as well as having to find a new home. According to child development specialist and the founding director of the Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents, Denise Johnston, â€Å"there are over 10 million minor children in the Unit ed StatesRead MoreThe Center For Children of Incarcerated Parents Essay2452 Words   |  10 PagesThe social welfare program identified for the purpose of this paper is the Center for Children of Incarcerated parents. The social problem for which it was designed to address is that of the effects of parental incarceration on children and families of the incarcerated. Its’ target population, children and families of the incarcerated. This paper will explore how services are provided and its source of funding. Additionally, it will seek to provide an understanding of theRead MoreEssay on Abounding Needs: Children of Incarcerated Parents1598 Words   |  7 Pagesmillion last year. Considering higher rates of incarceration, we can easily deduce that more parents are incarcerated now than ever before. The children of these parents are undoubtedly affected. Sadly, these children are often considered a collective group with a particular set of needs-- that is, basic needs like food, clothing and shelter (Johnson and Waldfogel, 2002). However, each child of an incarcerated parent has emotional and psychological needs specific to his/her situation that must be met. MeetingRead MoreChildren With Incarcerated Parents Have Lived An Uneasy Life1432 Words   |  6 PagesChildren with incarcerated parents have lived an uneasy life. Children have watched their parents get in trouble with the law and watch them be handcuffed and taken away for arrest. Children struggle physically, mentally and emotionally when a parent is d isplaced away from the home. Children have many emotions when they see their parent going away with a police officer. Children are taught today, the police officers are there to help you but also deal with people that get in trouble and when youRead MoreThere Is A Fair Amount Of Research Surrounding Parents1522 Words   |  7 PagesThere is a fair amount of research surrounding parents being incarcerated, and the effects it can have on those they leave on the outside. Children with incarcerated parents can have quite a few factors working against them. This can cause behavioural and emotional issues (Merenstein, Tyson, Tilles, Keays, Rufffolo, 2011). There is a need for social support from adult role models. This includes caregivers, teachers and other adults in the community activities they are involved in ( Luther, 2015;Read MoreThe Impact Of Mass Incarceration On African Americans1019 Words   |  5 PagesAfrican Americans make up 34% of the incarcerated population. As a resul t, a disproportionate amount of African American youth will experience a parent’s incarceration. Research has shown that children of incarcerated parents experience emotional problems, socioeconomic problems, and cognitive disturbances (Miller, 2007). In this paper, I will discuss the impact of mass incarceration in the African American community and its effect on African American children. Incidence and Prevalence Until the