Cheap Prison Calls:
Children with a parent or relative in prison

Having a parent or close relative incarcerated can have profound and lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being, behavior, and overall development. The absence of a loved one due to imprisonment creates unique challenges that many children and their caregivers must navigate. Children with an incarcerated parent often struggle with emotions such as confusion, abandonment, and anxiety, which can impact them deeply.

When a parent or relative is sent to prison, children may experience a range of emotions, from grief and loss to shame and social stigma. For many children, the experience feels like the sudden loss of a loved one, especially if they were close to the parent or relative now in prison. Younger children, who may not fully understand what is happening, are left to cope with the absence of a key figure in their lives. The social stigma surrounding imprisonment often leads to feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and fear, which can result in withdrawal from peers or even bullying at school.

In addition to these emotional struggles, the mental health effects of having an incarcerated parent are significant. Children of incarcerated parents are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. The stress that comes with losing a parent to the prison system exacerbates pre-existing mental health issues, and the lack of direct contact with their parent can make children feel disconnected, lonely, or even forgotten. As a result, some children may begin to act out in frustration or anger, displaying aggression or defiance in response to their emotional pain.

Caregivers, often relatives like grandparents, play a crucial role in helping children cope with their new reality. However, these caregivers can face overwhelming pressures as they take on full-time parental responsibilities they may not have expected. Caregivers must offer emotional support, comfort, and stability to children, helping them understand what has happened and assuring them that they are not alone. Additionally, many caregivers face financial strain, as the loss of income from the incarcerated parent, combined with the added expenses of maintaining contact through visits and phone calls, can be challenging to manage.

Maintaining regular contact between the child and their incarcerated parent is vital. It provides emotional reassurance and helps reduce the long-term psychological impact of separation. Visits, phone calls, letters, and even virtual communication options can all play a role in keeping the parent-child bond intact. However, visiting a prison can be intimidating for children, and long travel times, strict visitation rules, and the emotionally charged environment can make visits difficult. Phone calls and letters provide an important alternative but are not without challenges. The high cost of prison phone calls, for example, can prevent some families from maintaining frequent communication.

Supporting children with an incarcerated parent requires a well-rounded approach that addresses both emotional and practical needs. Open communication between the child and their caregivers is crucial. Children benefit from clear, age-appropriate explanations about what has happened, rather than avoiding the topic or keeping it a secret, which can lead to more confusion and distress. Professional counseling or therapy can also be extremely beneficial, offering children a safe space to express their emotions and develop coping strategies for dealing with the situation.

Schools play an important role in supporting children of incarcerated parents as well. Teachers and school staff should be aware of the child’s situation so they can offer extra support as needed. Schools can help create a more understanding environment for children who may be struggling with their emotions and behavior due to their family circumstances.

The long-term effects of having a parent in prison can extend into adulthood. Children with incarcerated parents are at greater risk of facing academic challenges, behavioral issues, and social difficulties. They may struggle with lower grades, absenteeism, and difficulties forming trusting relationships. Some studies suggest that these children are more likely to experience involvement with the criminal justice system themselves, perpetuating a cycle of incarceration and instability.

Fortunately, several resources are available to support children and families affected by imprisonment. Organizations like the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) provide emotional support, counseling, and practical assistance for families dealing with the incarceration of a loved one. Programs like the Help with Prison Visits scheme can help alleviate some of the financial burden of visiting a relative in prison, especially for families on low incomes. Peer support groups can also offer children a sense of community and understanding by connecting them with others who are going through similar experiences.

Children with a parent or relative in prison face unique and significant challenges that can affect their emotional well-being, behavior, and future prospects. Providing emotional support, maintaining regular communication with the incarcerated parent, and accessing available resources are all critical steps in helping children cope with their circumstances. As a society, it is essential to recognize the impact of incarceration on children and ensure that they receive the support they need to thrive despite the challenges they face. Supporting these children is not only vital for their emotional health but also plays a key role in reducing the likelihood of future criminal behavior, contributing to safer and more stable communities.