Disregarded victims of crime : the effects of parental incarceration on children

Abstract

The number of parents behind bars has been on the increase since the trend of incarceration has equally increased. However the children of these parents have not been given the attention they require. Research on the impact of parental incarceration on children has just recently been noticed by the criminal justice system and social services. The adverse effects of parental incarceration are presented through emotional, economic and social consequences. This study explores the effects of imprisonment internationally and in Malta. These effects are also explored through the theoretical frameworks of the social labelling theory, the social bonding theory and strain theory. It continues to discuss the programmes and interventions that can assist, provide support and protection for these children. Data was gathered through open-ended semi-structured interviews with elite respondents. The results confirm that research on children of incarcerated parents is still not given the attention it deserves and action needs to be taken instantaneously.