Waiting for Mommy

Giving a Voice to the Hidden Victims of Imprisonment

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Alison Cunningham & Linda Baker (2003)

This study was funded by the National Crime Prevention Centre (Ottawa) and conducted in partnership with the Council of Elizabeth Fry Societies of Ontario.

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Waiting for Mommy: Giving a Voice to the Hidden Vitims of Imprisonment (1 MB)

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1. Background to the Study

• Ontario Council of Elizabeth Fry Socities

• Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System

• Methodology

  • Literature Review

  • Survey of Incarcerated Mothers

  • Survey of Mothers After Release

  • Interview of Children and Adolescents

  • Proposal of a Developmental Model

  • Review of Program Models

2. Key Findings

• Parental separation triggered by incarceration is different than separation for other reasons

• Separation because of maternal incarceration is more destabilizing for children than paternal incarceration

• The stresses and changes associated with maternal incarceration often act on an already challenged family system

• Children of incarcerated mothers (and fathers) have an elevated vulnerability to criminal behaviour themselves

• Impact will vary depending on many factors including the age of the child

• Certain features of the current system exacerbate the negative impact on children but there are factors that can minimize the damage

3. Developmental Model

• Links to factors Associated with Criminal Behaviour

• Infants and Toddlers

• Pre-schoolers

• School-aged Children

• Adolescents

4. Program Models

• Informational Resources

• Family Liaison Officials

• Mentoring Programs

• Residential Programs

• Interventions for Children

5. Recommendations Based on Interim Findings

6. Recommendations for Further Research

7. References Cited

Appendix A: Profile of Incarcerated Women in Ontario

Appendix B: Resources

Appendix C: Comments from Women Completing the Surveys