A Cycle of Tragedy: Incarcerated Parents and Child Reunification

• Overview

Determine if, when, and how reunification should occur.The impact of incarceration on families is enormous, affecting the incarcerated parent, the child/children, and the rest of the family unit in a multitude of ways. This information will help you become familiar with the goals and process of reunification, the individual experience and needs of the incarcerated parent, child/children, and family system. This material also discusses favorable and unfavorable factors for reunification and identifies post-reunification support options at the individual, family, and community level.

Authors

Sarah F. Shelton, Psy.D., M.P.H., M.S.C.P., Shelton Forensic Solutions, LLC Christopher J. Dewhurst, M.A., M.Ed., Shelton Forensic Solutions, LLC

Agenda

Overview

• Scope of the Problem and Prevalence

• Understanding the Incarcerated Parent's Experience

• Understanding the Child and Family Experience

Reunification Process

• Goals

• Process

• Negative and Positive Indicators

After Reunification

• Individual and Family Support

• Community Support

• Summary, Conclusions, and Future Directions