The effects of imprisonment on families and children of prisoners

1 Family is affected and involved in the prison sentence. It affects everybody close. (Anonymous prisoner) Researchers have only begun to explore the far-reaching effects of imprisonment beyond prison walls. Unintended consequences highlighted so far include: the social disorganisation of communities (Clear et al 2001); reduced job opportunities for ex-prisoners (Holzer et al 2004); diversion of funds away from schools and universities (Hagan and Dinovitzer 1999); and psychological and financial burdens on families. Families are an important influence on many aspects of prisoners' lives. Family and parenting variables are key predictors of criminal behaviour through the life-course (Farrington 2002; Loeber and Stouthamer-Loeber 1986). Loss of outside relationships is considered the most painful aspect of confinement for prisoners (Flanagan 1980; Richards 1978). Family contact is associated with lower rates of self-harm while inside prison (Harvey, this volume; Liebling 1992). Families are one of the most important factors affecting prisoners' rehabilitation after release (Social Exclusion Unit 2002). Unfortunately, prisoners' families have been little studied in their own right. The effects of imprisonment on families and children of prisoners are almost entirely neglected in academic research, prison statistics, public policy and media coverage. However, we can infer from prisoners' backgrounds that their families are a highly vulnerable group. Limited research to date suggests that imprisonment can have devastating consequences for partners and children. As such, issues of legitimacy