Joseph Murray, Catrien C.J.H. Bijleveld, David P. Farrington and Rolf Loeber: Effects of Parental Incarceration on Children

Effects of Parental Incarceration on Children addresses the difficulties that arise for the families of incarcerated individuals, the hidden victims of the prison system. The practical and emotional problems of separation, decreased financial stability, insecure relationships, and the negative experiences due to isolation and stigma are only the short-term difficulties encountered by this population. The far-reaching consequences for the children of those incarcerated include an increased risk of developing antisocial behavior, committing criminal acts and experiencing possible incarceration themselves as adults. The authors have conducted research into the effects of parental incarceration in four countries and have organized their findings succinctly into this work, drawing conclusions that well illustrate the differences in the amount of negative effects according to national penal systems and public attitudes. …