Children of Incarcerated Parents: The Role of The School Counselor

Abstract

Children are some of the most vulnerable of our population due to their dependency on safe adults. The research suggests that the vulnerability of children can increase when their parent or parents become incarcerated. The following literature review will seek to uncover the effects on children whose parent is incarcerated. The research seeks to conclude the effects of parental incarceration on the parent-child relationship, the child’s finances, and the emotional health of the child. Incarceration of a parent can place strain on the child and the effects can be life altering. The literature review will also discuss the implications for school counselors working with this demographic of children, and the support that can be offered during a potentially challenging time during childhood. Counselors working with children who have an incarcerated parent have a duty to be informed of the impact.