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Parental Incarceration and Child Well‐Being: Implications for Urban Families

Author

Listed:
  • Amanda Geller
  • Irwin Garfinkel
  • Carey E. Cooper
  • Ronald B. Mincy

Abstract

Objective. Using a population‐based, longitudinal family survey (N=4,898), we identify economic, residential, and developmental risks particular to the children of incarcerated parents. Methods. We use parental reports of incarceration history, demographic background, and a rich set of child and family outcomes, in a series of multivariate regression models. Results. Children of incarcerated parents face more economic and residential instability than their counterparts. Sons of incarcerated fathers display more behavior problems, though other developmental differences are insignificant. Conclusions. We find that incarceration identifies families facing severe hardship that cannot be explained by other observed family characteristics. Given the prevalence of incarceration, our findings suggest that a large population of children suffers unmet material needs, residential instability, and behavior problems. These risks may be best addressed by using the point of incarceration as an opportunity for intervention and the administration of age‐appropriate social services.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Geller & Irwin Garfinkel & Carey E. Cooper & Ronald B. Mincy, 2009. "Parental Incarceration and Child Well‐Being: Implications for Urban Families," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(5), pages 1186-1202, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:90:y:2009:i:5:p:1186-1202
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00653.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bruce Western & Jeffrey R. Kling & David F. Weiman, 2001. "The Labor Market Consequences of Incarceration," Working Papers 829, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    2. Catherine Kenney, 2003. "Hardship In Married And Cohabiting Parent Households: Do Cohabiting Parents Underinvest In Household Public Goods?," Working Papers 956, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    3. Jeffrey R. Kling, 2006. "Incarceration Length, Employment, and Earnings," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 96(3), pages 863-876, June.
    4. Patrick Royston, 2004. "Multiple imputation of missing values," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 4(3), pages 227-241, September.
    5. Jeffrey R. Kling & David Weiman & Bruce Western, 2001. "The Labor Market Consequences of Incarceration," Working Papers 829, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    6. repec:pri:crcwel:wp03-11-ff-kenney is not listed on IDEAS
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