This peer reviewed American article looks at the relationship between parental involvement in the criminal justice system and children's likelihood of experiencing family risks. The study is based on data from a longitudinal study of young people from 11 rural counties in North Carolina.
The study found that parent risk factors (i.e. substance abuse, mental illness, and lack of education) had a significant direct effect on children's exposure to family risks - and these parent risk factors were also associated with greater odds of parental involvement in the criminal justice system. Parental involvement in the criminal justice system had a significant association with children's likelihood of experiencing two types of family risks - economic strain and instability. However, parental involvement in the criminal justice system was not significantly associated with family risks related to family structure or quality of care. Exposure to these risks was better explained by the direct effect of parental substance abuse, mental health problems, and lack of education. The research concludes that parental criminal justice system involvement is significantly related to children's exposure to certain types of family risks, independent of other parent risks. Furthermore, the article suggests that it is unrealistic to expect correctional programs focusing on relationships with children, to single-handedly impact intergenerational incarceration. Although these programmes may play an important role in offsetting some of the more immediate adverse effects of parental incarceration on children, the report suggests that they need to be coupled with rehabilitation efforts that target parental substance abuse, mental health problems, and inadequate education. Log in via Wiley to access Disentangling the Risks
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