The incarceration of a parent can be distressing for a child. It comes along with potential economic, social, behavioural, and emotional challenges for the child which is further complicated by the stigma associated with having an incarcerated parent. As such, it is imperative that these children be provided with well-rounded support so they can have the best possible developmental outcomes despite the challenges faced.

Here are some ways to support a child with an incarcerated parent

1. Visiting the incarcerated parent 

Most families endorse the idea that children should maintain contact with the incarcerated parent. Thus, if possible, support should be provided to facilitate communication between the parent and the child, allowing social ties to be maintained. This may take the form of:

Ψ Face to Face Visitations (link to Singapore Prisons Service)
Ψ Tele-Visitations

It is important that visitation takes place in a positive context (e.g., child-friendly, allowing physical contact between parent and child). Visitations that are “colder” and less welcoming tend to increase children’s distress instead. In cases where positive physical visitations are not viable, alternatives include letter-writing between the child and the incarcerated parent.  

2. Parenting Skills Training  

Providing incarcerated parents with training can also be helpful. Although there is no set curriculum for these training programs, most involve equipping parents with better parenting and communication skills. Parental training is most effective when combined with visitations and the opportunity for the incarcerated parent to practice what they have learnt. Undergoing such training has the added benefit of fostering a bond between the incarcerated parent and their family, as well as opens a channel for parental involvement.  

3. Mentoring 

Mentors can help alleviate the challenges associated with having an incarcerated parent by providing a mature figure whom children can trust, confide in, depend on, and learn from. Consequently, mentored children benefit both socially and emotionally (e.g., improved social skills and self-esteem), but the current evidence suggests that there is no academic benefit attached to mentoring programs. 

It is important to note that the effectiveness of mentoring programs is highly dependent on how well-matched the mentor and mentee are. Matching mentees with mentors can be a challenging process — one study showed that one-third of mentees dropped out of the program within half a year. A mentee who does not match well with the mentor is likely to drop out from the program and will therefore be less likely to reap the benefits from mentoring. Research concerning the effectiveness of mentoring programs for children of incarcerated parents is currently mixed.

In conclusion…

There are several methods to support a child with incarcerated parents. In Singapore, Kids in Play (KIP) by the Salvation Army and Friends of Children & Youth (FOCY) by Life Community Services Society provide supportive services for children with incarcerated parents. These support services use a mixture of the aforementioned methods.  

It is important to support children with incarcerated parents because these experiences and its associated challenges can have adverse effects on a child’s mental health. Without support, children face heightened risk of mental health outcomes, which may manifest in behavioural and emotional difficulties.

As an added bonus, visiting an incarcerated parent also helps the parent through their own journey in incarceration and improving rehabilitative outcomes!