Felony Impact on Kids
In Their Shoes: Understanding and Supporting Children of Convicted Felons
The ripple effects of a felony conviction extend far beyond the person directly involved. In many cases, children bear the brunt of the aftermath. From changes in their home stability to their mental health and development, a parent's felony conviction can have profound impacts on a child's life.
Research shows that children with an incarcerated parent face unique challenges. They may experience financial hardship, changes in living arrangements, and emotional trauma[^1^]. They often grapple with feelings of abandonment, guilt, and shame, which can have long-lasting impacts on their mental health and overall development[^2^].
Furthermore, these effects are not confined to the individual family unit. They ripple out into the community, impacting the child's school experience, relationships, and more. Schools with a higher number of children with incarcerated parents can face increased challenges in maintaining a stable and supportive learning environment[^3^].
So, how can we help? Here are a few ways we can support these children and foster a more understanding and compassionate community:
**1. Normalize Conversations:** Encourage open discussions about incarceration and its impacts. This helps to reduce stigma and makes children feel less isolated.
**2. Provide Emotional Support:** Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them it's okay to feel upset, confused, or scared. Let them know it's not their fault, and they are not alone.
**3. Extend Support to Caregivers:** Whether it's the other parent, grandparent, or a guardian, they too need support. Offering help, even with simple tasks, can go a long way.
**4. Encourage Inclusion:** Include these children in community activities. This helps them feel part of the community and reduces feelings of isolation.
**5. Advocate for Policies:** Support policies that promote fair sentencing and consider the impacts on children.
Remember, the goal is to ensure that these children, like all children, have the support and resources they need to thrive. A parent's mistake should not define a child's future. We must work together to build a community that understands, supports, and advocates for these children, offering them the same opportunities and nurturing their potential.
After all, it's in our collective empathy and action that we can transform the narrative for these children, from one of stigma and hardship to resilience and hope.
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[^1^]: Arditti, J. A. (2016). A family stress-proximal process model for understanding the effects of parental incarceration on children and families. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 5(2), 65.
[^2^]: Poehlmann, J., Dallaire, D., Loper, A. B., & Shear, L. D. (2010). Children’s contact with their incarcerated parents: Research findings and recommendations. American Psychologist, 65(6), 575.
[^3^]: Turney, K., & Wildeman, C. (2015). Detrimental for Some? The Heterogeneous Effects of Maternal Incarceration on Child Wellbeing. Criminology & Public Policy, 14(1), 125-156.