The Impact of Parental Incarceration
The impact of parental incarceration on children can be profound and sometimes long-lasting. The hidden emotional struggles surrounding parental imprisonments can shape the lives of children in unexpected ways. Two critical struggles they may endure include the trauma of witnessing a parent’s arrest and the potential disruption caused by relocation. These experiences not only disrupt their sense of security but also expose them to long-term emotional and psychological strain.
Research into psychological trauma highlights how subjective the perception of distressing events can be. Yet, it is widely acknowledged that parental incarceration is a significant source of stress and disruption for minor children. For them, it is not just an event—it is a frightening, life-changing moment that often leads to significant instability in their daily lives.
Challenges of Parental Imprisonment
Parental incarceration can have a negative impact on a child because of financial hardship, uprooted family ties, and loss of parental bond. While adults may struggle to cope with these challenges, children often face even greater emotional burdens, including shame, fear, and stigma, which isolate them further. Nell Bernstein (2005) concludes:
“The children have committed no crime but the penalty they are paying is steep.”
Parental Incarceration and Emotional Impact
Copyright by Bridget A. Koehler (2025)
Imagine a four-year-old boy, frozen in fear as he watches his parent being taken away by law enforcement. The confusion and terror he feels are too overwhelming for him to process. The sudden and unexpected arrest of a parent can leave a profound emotional mark, triggering fear, mistrust, and a sense of powerlessness.
Emotional Turmoil and Fear in Children
Parental arrests can be traumatic, especially for young children witnessing armed police in their homes. For many, the abrupt separation from a parent feels like their world is collapsing. The resulting fear and mistrust of law enforcement can linger well into adulthood.
Kevin, an 11-year-old, recalls his father’s arrest vividly:
“I’ll never forget my dad’s face when they pushed him into the police car. It scared me and embarrassed me. I felt like I had done something wrong.”
This trauma often leaves children grappling with feelings of shame and confusion, even years later.
Familial Bonds: Displacement and Instability
A social worker arrives at the apartment where the police have just arrested 22-year-old Alanna, charged with drug possession. A neighbor, standing in the kitchen, is holding Alanna’s three-year-old daughter, Bailey, in her arms. The neighbor is relieved to see the social worker who has come to pick up the little girl. Bailey had repeatedly asked:
“Where is my mom?”
Alanna is a single mother who worked two jobs to make ends meet for her and her small daughter. She had no close relatives, and the father of the child denied any support. Therefore, the social worker had no other choice but to place Bailey in foster care.
The social worker was able to find a temporary home for Baley on very short notice. However, six weeks later, the foster mother called and demanded that the child be removed immediately because her behavior was perceived as erratic. The foster mother explained:
“Each night Bailey climbs out of the crib and tries to open the door, screaming. I can’t handle her.”
The aftermath of an arrest often includes upheaval. The separation from her mother and staying with a stranger, even if only for a short time, disrupted the little girl’s sense of security and trust. After reuniting with her mother, Bailey’s anxiety remained high—she feared abandonment every time she was dropped off at daycare.
The instability caused by the separation to a parent can shape how children view relationships, trust, and the world around them.
Associated Hidden Struggles
Older children may appear unaffected, but the pain often runs deep. Malik, 14, discovered his father’s arrest on the evening news. Though he maintained his routine, the stigma and shame weighed heavily on him. Many children, like Malik, hide their struggles to avoid judgment, creating a hidden crisis that is often unknown to others.
Recognizing Invisible Challenges
Parental incarceration creates challenges that society often ignores, perpetuating stigma and marginalization for affected children. Their needs and rights for dignity and support remain largely unmet.
Nell Bernstein’s book “All Alone in the World: Children of the Incarcerated” emphasizes the importance of listening to these children. By understanding their stories, we can mitigate the harm caused by such traumatic events. However, it’s equally vital to recognize their strengths and resilience—and to acknowledge that they are more than their parents’ circumstances.
Moving Toward Change
To create a better future, we must confront our biases and listen to these children, the true experts of their experiences. Together, we can work toward a society that offers stability, safety, and hope, ensuring no child feels unseen or unheard.
Further Reading and References
Bernstein, N. (2005). All Alone In The World: Children Of The Incarcerated
