Children with incarcerated parents across the globe: Challenges and flourishing in five countries

The International Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents (INCCIP), a global nonprofit organization, envisions the well-being of children with incarcerated parents addressed at all societal levels in all countries and has a mission to collaborate with and support diverse organisations and individuals to promote the well-being of affected children more effectively, especially as guided by youth voices. Led by INCCIP and nonprofit organizations within five countries, the current study sought to document coping, strengths, and flourishing through interviews with 57 youths with incarcerated parents in New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Uganda, and England. After the interviews were transcribed and translated into English, thematic analysis was used to code children’s reactions to parental incarceration and how they coped with the experience. Themes coded about challenges following parental incarceration were initial emotional distress, health and mental health impacts, family stress and role changes, school and social impacts, and experiences of stigma and shame. Themes coded about coping, strengths, and flourishing included support from relationships; developing aspirations; recognition of personal growth; resistance to negative expectations; and the role of spirituality in coping. Common themes were identified across countries, with some country-specific nuances. Results highlight the importance of listening to youth voices, supporting youth at multiple contextual levels, and recognizing personal strengths and growth when a parent is incarcerated.