Abstract:
The central focus of this thesis is on children whose mothers are sent to prison. Both the
mothers and their children are vulnerable populations; they are likely to have experienced
family violence, abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, chaotic lifestyles and disrupted close
relationships. In addition, many imprisoned mothers are single parents who are detained
far from their families and support systems; this makes the maintenance of relationships
between them and their children fraught with difficulty.
During the course of this research, 56 imprisoned mothers and the caregivers of the
children of 11 of them were interviewed to gather data on how these children and the
caregivers were faring while the mothers were in prison and on how the situation could
be improved. At a later date 37 of the women, some of whom had been released into the
community, were re-interviewed about how their relationships with their children had
changed over the time since their last interview and about their current concerns.
The results confirm findings from overseas research which identifies the need for
programmes and facilities to assist women in prison to maintain their relationship with
their children during their sentence. For the successful reintegration of the women into
society and the reunification of their families, support and assistance are essential. This
support and help is needed by the children, by the temporary caregivers and by the
mothers. It is needed both during the period of the mother's imprisonment and after she
has been released. Recommendations have been made about policies and practices that
are likely to achieve these goals. Directions for future research have been suggested.
