Publication details
Resilience of children with an imprisoned parent
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Children with an incarcerated parent represent a highly vulnerable yet often overlooked group in social work. Although international research has increasingly addressed their situation, in the Czech context they remain largely invisible, with limited recognition of their rights, insufficient professional support, and minimal representation in social-scientific research. Parental imprisonment poses significant risks to children’s bio-psycho-social-spiritual development; however, these risks are probabilistic rather than deterministic, and many children are able to adapt positively despite adversity. Drawing on mixed-methods research conducted within the Parenting Behind Bars project—including standardized questionnaires and interviews with 84 children and 182 incarcerated parents—this chapter examines factors that enable positive development and well-being in children facing parental imprisonment. The findings highlight that alongside vulnerability, these children often show remarkable perseverance. Resilience in this context refers to their capacity to navigate stressful circumstances, supported by stable relationships, safe environments, psychosocial support, and effective coping strategies. The chapter synthesizes key influences on the resilience of children with an imprisoned parent and outlines implications for social work practice. It underscores the responsibility of professionals to identify and strengthen resources that help children adapt, thrive, and achieve long-term well-being despite the challenges arising from parental incarceration. |