When an adult is sent to prison, freedom isn’t the only thing they are losing. If they had kids, they also lose access to them. For parents and the kids involved, this signals the beginning of one horrifying nightmare, depending on how long the conviction will last. Even though different countries have varying rules on what happens to the children of convicts, here is a general overview of the possible outcomes.
Who Remains With The Kids When Their Parents Go To Prison?
Even though most of us think we’ll never get arrested, it can happen to anyone. To make matters worse, an arrest is done anywhere and anytime. As such, an order for your arrest can be executed when you’re with your kids at home or in the park.
Contrary to what we see in movies, police officers can’t arrest you and leave your kid alone. They will ask you to call a spouse or a relative to pick up the children. In case you’re escorted to the police station, the police will look after your kids until a spouse or relative comes for them. Sometimes, the police can release your kids to a caregiver.
However, in instances where a parent is raising a child alone, or their spouse is incarcerated, the police have no option but to contact Child Protective Services (CPS). When CPS is involved, single parents need to share details of a responsible relative.
This is better because the child will be cared for by a familiar face. If there is no relative, CPS will arrange for the child to go to a foster home until the parent serves their time in prison.
In instances where a child doesn’t live with both parents, the other partner can request custody while you’re in prison. Even though there is a high likelihood of the other parent winning custody when you’re incarcerated, the law has no right to strip you of your parental rights. Therefore, while in jail, you will get all legal documents concerning the change in custody. If unsatisfied, you can dispute it and recommend a relative.
What’s Life Like for Kids Whose Parent/s Are In Prison?
Back to the children of incarcerated parents – life is never easy. A report published in 2023 shows how these children endure economic, educational, physical, and mental challenges. If the parent is lucky enough to get bail, they can be reunited with their child.
However, when bail is denied, and there is no close relative to take care of the child, they eventually end up in the system. Despite women getting shorter prison sentences, that period of absence is enough to disrupt the life of a child.
As mentioned earlier, different countries have varying laws on incarcerating parents. Take Sydney, Australia, for instance. There is a prison called Jacaranda Cottages Facility, which allows mothers to live with their children.
Effects of Separating Parents and Children Because of Legal Issues
Studies conducted on the women incarcerated in this prison show that they are least likely to commit another crime because of the relationship they had with their children. Also, the kids do not go through mental and physical challenges.
Whichever the case, as long as a parent can’t access their child, the latter tends to portray antisocial behavior, trouble with the teachers. This often leads to expulsion, while some get involved in criminal activities. Research shows that for children to overcome social difficulties, they need the support of a family. School alone isn’t enough to shape a developing child’s mind.
With no guidance, children whose parents are sent to prison may find themselves doing drugs, both legal and illegal. These drugs help mask the child’s sadness or feeling of being overwhelmed by the world. Because of the lack of access to finances, the child of an incarcerated person may not reside in the best neighborhoods or go to good schools. Therefore, they will borrow the behavior of the people they see around them.
Still in school, a child whose parent is serving a long jail term may not achieve a high education level. Circumstances force them to drop out mid-way, affecting the jobs they can access later on. Therefore, one small mistake by a parent can directly trigger a wide range of problems for their child.
Reverting normality for a brief period is a good way to better prepare children emotionally and academically for the challenges they face. Families often contact this bail bond company to secure a parent’s release so they can provide stability and support during critical times. This can help children maintain focus in school and reduce the emotional toll of separation. Even short-term reunions can make a lasting difference in a child’s well-being and future outlook.
Is a Parent’s Incarceration Always a Negative Thing?
Sad as it may be, the incarceration of a parent isn’t always a bad thing. The truth is that not all parents are good moral models. In the case of a parent who has troubled their child or even abused them, when they get locked up, that’s an advantage to the child.
How Kids Whose Parents Go to Prison Can Be Helped
On the bright side, prisons in most countries allow visitation. So, if a child finds a good caregiver, they can regularly visit their parents in prison. There is also the option of writing letters and making phone calls back home.
Even though these don’t seem like much, they can go a long way in fostering the bond between the child and the parent. It would also be good if governments could introduce prison policies that allow children to bond with their incarcerated parents. Apart from maintaining contact, it’s also advisable for the child to be professionally counseled. This can help them process their emotions better.