What about the Children?: The Effects of Mass Incarceration on Family and the Importance of Nurturing the Parent-Child Relationship in Alternative Forms of Justice

Abstract

This paper discusses the structurally violent nature of mass incarceration in the United States, beginning with a comprehensive look at the origins and repercussions of mass incarceration, reentry, and recidivism. Secondly, special focus is given to describing how families, particularly children, are affected by a parent’s incarceration. Thirdly, the paper will describe how currently and formerly incarcerated parents experience their relationships with their children. Finally, the paper will end by arguing that the parent-child relationship should be highlighted alternative forms of justice to promote community healing, improve the reentry process, and disrupt the structurally violent system of mass incarceration.