Dimensions of Father-Child Interaction in a New York State Prison Population

• NCJ Number: 130655
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 16 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1991) Pages: 27-42
• Author(s): C S Lanier Jr
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the American Conference on the Family and Corrections, Albany, New York, 1989.

Annotation

Reports of both proximal and distal types of father-child interactions in a New York State maximum-security male prison population are analyzed in this study. The study discusses types of contact between incarcerated fathers and their children, frequency of interactions, and reasons for infrequent or even absence of interactions.

Abstract

The results indicate that a significant number of inmates do not take advantage of their visitation rights, although there are several other obstacles to proximal interactions. Both visits and telephone calls appear to be related to the father's pre-imprisonment residential status with his children. However, mail exchange is an important avenue of parent-child interaction whether or not the father had previously lived with his family. Interactions by mail are also related to the father's expectation that he will live with his children upon release from prison. Further research should examine the relationships between father-child interactions and institutional adjustment, recidivism, and family stability. Policies should be developed to encourage improved and more frequent proximal and distal interactions. 4 tables, 2 notes, and 30 references (Author abstract modified)