“There are a million and one other ways to punish someone than sending them away…” Exploring the impact of having a family member in prison on children and young people’s health and emotional wellbeing – A qualitative longitudinal study

Growing up in a household where a family member has spent time in prison is one of ten recognised Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This qualitative longitudinal study aimed to understand how family imprisonment impacts on children and young people’s mental health, emotional wellbeing and familial relationships. Nineteen children and young people across Scotland and Northern England took part in up to three interviews over the course of one year. We discuss three themes: [1] navigating unfriendly complex systems; [2] distress, grief and trauma; [3] acceptance, normalisation and coping mechanisms. These themes illuminate the profound impact that family imprisonment had on all aspects of children and young people’s lives, particularly their emotional wellbeing. They concealed their circumstances due to fear of stigma; took on young carer roles within the family home; enacted their own distinct coping mechanisms to counter the continual uncertainty they faced and felt unsupported by professional agencies. Future research should focus on the experiences of those who do not maintain contact with their family member in prison, those further marginalised such as black and racially minoritised children and children living with disabilities and neurodivergence. Finally, further studies should interrogate existing support pathways designed for vulnerable children and young people to ensure those experiencing family imprisonment do not fall through gaps in current provision.