Department/School
Social Work
Date of this version
2011
Document Type
Article
Keywords
children of incarcerated parents, caregiving, impact of incarceration
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2174/1874922401104010105
Abstract
With rising attention toward the plight of children with incarcerated parents, there has, as yet, been little focus placed on the adults who care for them, individuals who may have a profound impact on the children's relationships with their incarcerated parent. This study explores unique parenting challenges the caregivers faced, from their perspectives and presents their voices. Caregivers discussed the strain of serving as a gatekeeper between the child and imprisoned parent, coping with stigma and isolation, and negotiating a predominantly child-unfriendly visitation system. The findings suggest that caregivers need information about raising a child in this context, connections with others in similar situations, and a more child-friendly and transparent judicial and visitation process.
Volume
4
Published in
The Open Family Studies Journal
Citation/Other Information
Nesmith, A., & Ruhland, E. (2011). Caregivers of children with incarcerated parents. The Open Family Studies Journal, 4, 105-116. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874922401104010105