At present, the number of children affected by incarceration is unknown. Some researchers have used population statistics, and a dated study from corrections Canada about fathers in prison, to conclude there could be up to 450,000 children affected by incarceration. From a scholarship perspective, exploring the impact of parental incarceration is rare in Canada. International sources are unequivocal in understanding that the effects of parental incarceration are far reaching and predominantly detrimental. Children of incarcerated parents (COIPs) have been shown to experience both internalized (e.g., anxiety, depression, attachment disorders) and externalized concerns (e.g., school refusal, substance use, gang involvement) across the developmental trajectory. The ongoing Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) study lists parental incarceration as a significant predictor of health risk behaviours in later life and adult-related quality of life.

In this paper, I hope to expand on the understanding of both psychological and sociological consequences of parental incarceration in order to inform those who are in direct contact with children or their parents. This qualitative account adds to the quantitative data that tells us what the observable behaviour is likely to be. Qualitative data tells us how children might emotionally experience and navigate the consequences of parental incarceration. Hopefully this knowledge helps mitigate the effects on children that arise from their parents’ arrest to incarceration to release and follow-up community support.