Educational Consequences of Paternal Incarceration: Evidence from a Danish Policy Reform

Abstract Objectives This study estimates the causal effect of paternal incarceration on children’s educational outcomes measured at end compulsory schooling (9th grade) in Denmark. Methods I use Danish administrative data and rely a sentencing reform 2000, which expanded non-custodial alternatives to for traffic offenders, plausibly exogenous variation risk experiencing incarceration. Results The results show that does not affect academic achievement (grade point average), but it reduce number grades obtained, and–most importantly–roughly doubles even completing school getting 9th grade certificate. These findings are driven mainly by boys whom appear be particularly consequential. Conclusions presented this highlight presence unintended collateral consequences penal policies–even context relatively mild regime. Effects are, however, estimated subgroup children incarceration, how translate other subgroups beyond is open speculation.