Mothering at a Distance: what incarcerated mothers value about a parenting programme

Abstract

Background: Children with incarcerated mothers experience adverse health, social and emotional circumstances, and are a particularly vulnerable group. Mothers in custody face significant challenges in parenting their children.

Aims: The study aimed to identify participants’ views on impact of a parenting support programme for incarcerated mothers in NSW Australia.

Methods: The mixed-methods study examined 134 responses to open and closed questions on a questionnaire for programme participants.

Results: Participants found the programme worthwhile, engaging and relevant. It enhanced their parenting knowledge and confidence. Open-ended responses highlighted program elements which participants valued, specifically support for their parenting role in complicated circumstances, greater understanding of child development and perspectives, and practical strategies for facilitating connections with their children during their incarceration.

Conclusions: The study informs nurses working with women who have experienced incarceration and their children, both in custodial and community settings.

Keywords:

• incarcerated mothers
• children
• parenting education
• parenting support
• mothering

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Mothering at a Distance facilitators at CSNSW who made the participants’ satisfaction forms available to us. In particular, we thank the mothers who participated in the MAAD programme for their responses and insights about the programme.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Technology Sydney [grant number RM2012000829] and funds provided under the NSW Government Keep Them Safe initiative.