Variations in the Life Histories of Incarcerated Parents by Race and Ethnicity: Implications for Service Provision
Published In
Smith College Studies in Social Work
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Abstract
Incarcerated parents have complex life histories that often remain unresolved during incarceration, can continue to create barriers to prosocial success on release, and present similar intergenerational challenges for their children. This study examines the life histories of incarcerated fathers and mothers from the Pacific Northwest and how their experiences vary based on race and ethnicity. Five areas examined were exposure to trauma, child welfare involvement, mental health and substance abuse problems, juvenile justice and adult criminal justice involvement, and intergenerational criminal justice involvement. The sample comprised 359 incarcerated parents, and their racial/ethnic composition was 59% White, 14% African American, 11% multiracial, 8% Native American, and 7% Latino. Few differences were found across racial and ethnic groups. Mothers appeared more similar to each other across groups than fathers. Results illustrated similarities yet some surprising differences with national trends on key study variables. Implications for future research and intervention and prevention are discussed.
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1080/00377317.2017.1248198
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/20169
Citation Details
Miller K.M., Eddy J.M., Borja S., Lazzari S.R. 2017. Articles Variations in the Life Histories of Incarcerated Parents by Race and Ethnicity: Implications for Service Provision. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 87(1):59-77.