Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how women in prison have an additional distinction compared to men in prison in that women are usually the primary caregivers in the family. Although men may or may not feel a need to maintain ties with family members, this issue has a much greater impact on women who are incarcerated. It looks at how numerous studies have been done on women in prison and how many of the problems women face deal with the most basic idea of maintaining a healthy relationship with their families. The paper also examines how numerous state correctional institutions have begun to incorporate programs to nurture the family relationships that are jeopardized while women are incarcerated.

From the Paper:

"Children are significantly affected by the mother's absence. In fact, there is evidence to support the development of psychological problems; as they become older, they may in fact develop problems as a direct result of the mother's incarceration. "Furthermore, a study by the American Correctional Association (ACA) suggested that the children are at an increased risk of future institutionalization in the criminal justice system (Bloom and Steinhart, 1993; 81)." Children are the innocent victims of the mother's incarceration and the separation from her children can prove to be a powerful catalyst for change."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Correctional Association, "Imprisoned mothers and their children". Women and Criminal Justice, 8, 79.
• Bloom, B. and Steinhart, D (2003). "Women in Prison" in R. Muraskin(ed) It's a Crime: Women and Justice Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle Ridge N.J.
• Gabel, K., and Johnston, D. 1995. "Women in Prison" in R. Muraskin (ed) It's a Crime: Women and Justice Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle Ridge N.J.
• Henriques, Z. "Imprisoned mothers and their children". Women and Criminal Justice, 8, 77-95.
• Heger, R.L. 1993. "Imprisoned mothers and their children". Women and Criminal Justice, 8, 80

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