Publication details
Enhancing Social Connectedness for Children of Incarcerated Parents
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | This presentation examines how social work can intentionally enhance social connectedness among children whose parent(s) are incarcerated. It starts from the premise that parental imprisonment disrupts children’s relational networks, sense of identity, and everyday stability, while strong and meaningful social ties function as a key protective factor against stigma, isolation, and the broader “collateral” harms of punishment on families. The talk outlines mechanisms that undermine connectedness—such as disrupted parent–child contact, instability in caregiving arrangements, institutional barriers, and shame-driven secrecy—and contrasts them with practice strategies that can maintain, restore, and strengthen supportive relationships. Particular attention is paid to facilitating safe and developmentally appropriate parent–child contact, supporting the primary caregiver, coordinating with schools and community resources, and addressing systemic conditions (rules, coordination, and continuity of support) that shape children’s opportunities to remain socially connected. The presentation offers a practice-oriented framework linking work with family relationships, social networks, and institutional settings so that these children are not treated as “invisible” bystanders of penal policy, but as recipients of targeted, relationally sensitive support. |
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