Young adult reflections on the impact of parental incarceration and reentry

Abstract

Little is known about the continuing effects of childhood parental incarceration into young adulthood. Fourteen young adults who experienced parental incarceration during adolescence shared their experiences through individual interviews focused on the following qualitative research question: In what ways do young adults believe they have been impacted in young adulthood by the earlier experiences of parental incarceration and reentry? Findings indicate that most relationships with previously incarcerated parents remain tenuous. Participants describe ongoing struggles to develop trusting relationships, manage negative emotions, and stay out of trouble. Findings have implications for assisting young adults and families affected by criminal justice involvement.

Keywords:

• parental incarceration
• reentry
• young adults
• children of incarcerated parents
• adolescents

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of the young people who shared their experiences with us. Without them this work would not have been possible.