How do children describe their experiences of parental imprisonment: A qualitative scoping review

Jinyi Zhang and Catherine Flynn

Children and Youth Services Review, 2025, vol. 169, issue C

Abstract: The wellbeing of children with imprisoned parents is known to be challenged by various stressors related to parental incarceration; it is imperative that these are addressed appropriately to allow children to reach their potential. This scoping review aims to specifically explore children’s experiences during the time of parental incarceration. The databases Scopus, Web of Science, PSYCINFO and Academic Search Complete were searched; 59 peered-reviewed articles presenting the narratives of 904 children and young people are reviewed. The findings indicate that these children have a range of unmet needs: for, maintaining meaningful contact with incarcerated parents, having a childhood, sharing feelings, community awareness and education, and agency. Understanding and valuing children’s lived experience of parental incarceration help to make more appropriate recommendations for future research and social interventions.

Keywords: Parental incarceration; Children’s experiences; Unmet needs; Empowerment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:169:y:2025:i:c:s0190740924006571

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.108085

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