NCJ Number
238820
Journal
Future of Children Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 157-177
Date Published
2010
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Noting that the U.S. imprisonment rate has increased approximately fivefold since the mid-1970s, this paper profiles the prison population as consisting primarily of poor minority men whose imprisonment has widespread consequences for their families, particularly their children; several policy reforms are recommended.
Abstract
The authors conclude that imprisonment diminishes the earnings of adult men, compromises their health, reduces familial resources, and contributes to family breakup. It also adds to the disadvantages of poor children, thus ensuring that the effects of imprisonment on socioeconomic inequality lead to a perpetuation of an underclass at high risk of experiencing racial and class inequality. The authors recommend limiting prison time for drug offenders and for parolees who violate the technical conditions of their parole, reconsidering sentence enhancement for repeat offenders, and expanding support for inmates and ex-inmates. They also argue that criminal justice reform alone will not sufficiently address the problems of school failure, joblessness, untreated drug addiction, and mental illness, which increase a person's risk for imprisonment. Addressing these socioeconomic issues requires society to increase its commitment to education, public health, and the employment opportunities for low-skilled men and women. This should strengthen their families and reduce family members' risk for law-breaking and involvement with a prison-oriented criminal justice system. 3 tables and 65 references