Continued Social Work Phone: 866-419-0818


How Are Children Affected When a Parent or Relative is Incarcerated?

Quniana Futrell, EdS

July 28, 2020

Share:

Question

How are children affected when a parent or relative is incarcerated?

Answer

A study from the the University of California Irvine (Turney, 2014) found significant health problems in children of incarcerated parents.  The study reported that parental incarceration can even be more detrimental to a child's well-being than divorce or death of a parent. Note that having incarcerated parents may be more detrimental to a child's well-being than divorce or death of a parent.

People who are in prison are still alive. Children are still able, in a sense, to see them, talk to them, write them. So how could that be so detrimental?

I challenge you to think about this. When a child experiences divorce with their parents, there's some type of conversation. The parents, whatever the family dynamic may be, sit down with the child and they say, "Hey, we determined that we are better off as friends. We've determined that it's more healthy for our family if we live in two separate households. You'll have two Christmases, two birthdays, double toys. We're going to go to counseling every week. I'll come get you Sunday through Wednesday, and you'll be over there for the rest of the week.

So there's some type of conversation that occurs around divorce. Those who are in the closest circle with this child - a teacher, social worker, or other professional -  typically respond by asking how they can help.

Now, let's look at death of a parent.  I would think that this is probably the most difficult conversation to have with a child. But we know that there are books available, and therapy that can help. There is so much remorse and sympathy that will go out for this child, and resources to help support them. 

But the moment you say, "Well, their parent is incarcerated," people may gasp, say OK, or say nothing. 

We don't technically know what to say because this subject is sensitive and because this topic is so taboo. It's not something that we like to talk about or that generally comes up in common conversation.

Whereas with divorce or death of a parent it’s a little bit more of a welcoming conversation. So, as social workers, we will start making conversations around incarceration a little bit more welcoming as well.  We will make incarceration not a taboo or a word that makes us cringe or feel uncomfortable.  We will move past the word so that we can respond in a proper way to be of support and resources to these families.

 

Reference

Turney, K. (2014). Stress proliferation across generations? Examining the relationship between parental incarceration and childhood health. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 55, 302–319.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Nuturing Beyond Bars, presented by Quniana Futrell, EdS.


quniana futrell

Quniana Futrell, EdS

From the streets of Newark, New Jersey, having two incarcerated parents to featured on PBS’s Emmy award-winning show, Virginia Currents. Quniana Futrell, also known as “Author Q.”, is a real success story and champion for change. Quniana is an educational specialist in early childhood education and she is the founder and executive director of Building Resilience in Communities, which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on restoring hope to families impacted by incarceration. Quniana captivates audiences from all over the world, from the United States to Uganda, with her straightforward and realistic methods to resilience and healing. She builds champions from the inside out using her proven methods. Quniana has been recognized by both international and local media outlets for her work. She is a captivating keynote speaker and filmmaker known for shaking up the norm and healing families.

This proven Children’s Champion’s motto is; Change the Family, Change the World.


Related Courses

Nurturing Beyond Bars
Presented by Quniana Futrell, EdS
Video

Presenter

Quniana Futrell, EdS
Course: #8Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The presenter was excellent, knowledgeable, engaging and interesting'   Read Reviews
Nurturing Beyond Bars is a course for social workers who serve children that have a parent incarcerated. This course teaches social workers how to address the sensitive topic of incarceration with ease and confidence and offers role play scenarios for social workers to think through.

Introduction to Body-Based Interventions In Psychotherapeutic Practice
Presented by Kara Cross, MSW, LMSW, RYT
Video

Presenter

Kara Cross, MSW, LMSW, RYT
Course: #1538Level: Introductory1.02 Hours
  'I appreciated being led through the mindfulness practices'   Read Reviews
Body-based interventions move therapy beyond talking. This webinar explores neuroscience that supports body-based interventions and introduces social worker practitioners to practices that will allow them to use body-based interventions in therapy sessions safely.

Mental Health & First Responders Part II: After the Call
Presented by Lisa Zoll, MSW, LCSW, Edward Curtis, MSW, LSW
Video

Presenters

Lisa Zoll, MSW, LCSWEdward Curtis, MSW, LSW
Course: #1794Level: Intermediate1.12 Hours
  'I appreciated the real life stories and videos'   Read Reviews
This course is the second in a two-part series. This course explores trauma responses that impact first responders and how it can have a cumulative effect on their mental health, professionally and personally.

Addressing Complex Trauma Across the Lifespan
Presented by Patrice Berry, PsyD, LCP
Video

Presenter

Patrice Berry, PsyD, LCP
Course: #7Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'There was a lot of good and useful information in this course'   Read Reviews
This course will define and describe common symptoms of complex trauma and will provide an overview of clinical considerations and clinical perspectives to address complex trauma in teens and adults.

Using What We Know About How We Grow: Utilizing Development as an Assessment Tool for Early Childhood Services
Presented by Alison D. Peak, MSW, LCSW, IMH-E
Video

Presenter

Alison D. Peak, MSW, LCSW, IMH-E
Course: #9Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'This course presented great information that will help in my everyday experiences with the families and children I work with!'   Read Reviews
This course will review childhood physical and social-emotional development, considering knowledge of both domains as central to initial assessment of functioning for children, adolescents, and families.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.