NCJ Number
155602
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: May 1995 Pages: 34-36
Date Published
May 1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes studies that have examined the incarcerated father and describes several programs in the United States that have addressed this offender group.
Abstract
Incarcerated fathers must face two basic problems: Finding competent legal representation and the perception that contact with an incarcerated parent is not in the child's best interest. Offenders usually cannot provide for the daily material needs of their family and have difficulty in explaining their incarceration to their children. Visiting conditions are also frustrating for fathers who want to have meaningful relationships with their children. Many incarcerated fathers have high levels of depression and anxiety, as well as little self-esteem. Some fathers also feel guilty about the disruption they have caused in their children's lives. Some are concerned about being forgotten by their children or about being replaced by another person. As fathers near release, some worry about re-entering a home whether their children and parental partner are fully independent and accustomed to living without them. Several parenting programs are currently operating for male offenders; for example, the Tennessee State Prison's Parents in Prison program attempts to reduce offender child abuse and neglect. Program leadership is shared by offenders, community members, and institutional personnel. Similarly, Project Help Incarcerated Parents in the State of Maine and Parents and Children Together at the Federal correctional institution in Fort Worth, TX, are also engaged in collaborative efforts that target reduced offender child abuse and recidivism. Additional research could compare incarcerated mothers and fathers and examine any differences among parents of various racial and ethnic background. Future study should also explore the importance incarcerated fathers give to their parental role. 5 footnotes