Children of Prisoners

Paper Summary:

The paper reveals that there seems to be an intergenerational cycle of incarceration that affects society. The paper explains that children of incarcerated parents face multiple barriers, such as disrupted family settings, social stigma, mental health issues and academic problems that appear to be correlated with their parent or parents' incarceration. The paper reviews the relevant literature that indicates that children of prisoners are more likely than other children to have aggressive behavior and post-traumatic stress disorder. The paper points out, however, that more research is needed.

Outline:
Introduction
Review of Relevant Literature
Conceptual Framework
Methodology
Data Analysis
Summary

From the Paper:

"The criminal justice system is an exciting and expanding field of study. The criminal justice system consists of law enforcement, courts and corrections. It is a system used by the American government to preserve social control by preventing crimes, enforcing laws and administering justice in America. Federal and state laws in the criminal justice field are important, because they help maintain social control and promote fairness and justice to all as evident by "get tougher" policies, such as mandatory sentencing (Hanlon, Carswell & Rose, 2007, p. 349). According to Hanlon, Carswell and Rose (2007), jail and prison populations are increasing at an alarming rate due to "decreasing releases rates and increasing length of sentences" (p. 349). As a result of getting tough on crime, inmates are imprisoned longer. Many inmates are also parents; therefore, incarcerated parents are being separated from their children for longer periods of time causing disruption in the family setting. Consequently, children are becoming the innocent victims of the criminal justice system's "get tougher policies" (Hanlon, Carswell & Rose, 2007, p. 349)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Corcoran, K. & Fischer, J. (2000). Measures for clinical practice: A sourcebook. Vol.1&2 (3rd ed.). NY: The Free Press.
• DuBois, D. L. & Silverthorn, N. (2005). Natural mentoring relationships and adolescent health: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 95(3), 518 - 524.
• Hanlon, T., Carswell, S. & Rose, M. (2006). Research on the caretaking of children of incarcerated parents: Findings and their service delivery implications. Children and Youth Services Review, 29 (3), 348 - 362.
• Landreth, G. & Lobaugh, A. (1998). Filial therapy with incarcerated fathers: Effects on parental acceptance of child parental stress, and child adjustment. Journal of Counseling & Development, 76(2), 157 - 165.
• Maier, K. (2006). Inquiry: Children of incarcerated parents. Journal of Children & Poverty, 12(1), 91 - 105.

More papers on Children of Prisoners:

• Essay # 4578 : "Homeless Children"
• Argumentative Essay # 9631 : "When Children are Adults"
• Persuasive Essay # 149179 : "Public Schools: A Taste of Prison Life"

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