Is parental incarceration ever helpful for children?

• Research has shown that, for most children, parental incarceration is associated with less optimal child outcomes
• There are sometimes situations, especially if violence is present, when the incarceration of a parent can be a relief—although this occurs in a small minority of cases
• The most rigorous research shows that parental incarceration
  • Is common
  • Is a relatively new experience in human history
  • Involves a series of events and experiences that typically have significant negative consequences for children and families
  • Often affects the most vulnerable children and families

For further reading:

https://www.ncfr.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/How%20Parental%20Incarceration%20Harms%20Children%20NCFR%20Policy_Full%20Brief_Jan.%202018_0.pdf