Family Sentenced

Shame & Stigma Can Come When A Parent Is Incarcerated

Sadly, shame and stigma associated with having a parent who is incarcerated can be attributed to several factors, including societal attitudes toward crime and punishment, the impact of parental incarceration on children, and the portrayal of incarcerated individuals in the media.

For example, recently there is was an article, “Idaho Killer's 2 Sisters Reportedly Lose Their Jobs As He Awaits Death Penalty Decision”, LINK  https://jezebel.com/idaho-killers-2-sisters-reportedly-lose-their-jobs-as-h-1850279525

In many societies, there is a cultural emphasis on individual responsibility and a belief that those who commit crimes deserve to be punished. As a result, individuals who are associated with criminal behavior, such as the children of incarcerated parents, may be seen as guilty by association and subjected to stigma and discrimination.

Parental incarceration can also significantly negatively affect children's mental and emotional well-being, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Children may also experience a sense of shame or stigma due to societal stereotypes and misconceptions about people who are incarcerated, such as being seen as "bad" or "dangerous."

Furthermore, the media often portrays incarcerated individuals in a negative light, emphasizing their criminal behavior and downplaying their humanity and complex life circumstances. This reinforces the stigma associated with incarceration and can make it difficult for individuals with incarcerated parents to feel understood or accepted.

Overall, the shame and stigma associated with having an incarcerated parent can significantly impact individuals' mental and emotional well-being, social relationships, and opportunities in life. It is important to recognize and challenge these negative attitudes and stereotypes and to support individuals who have been affected by parental incarceration.

What to do if you know someone who has a parent who is incarcerated, there are several ways that you can offer support and help:

1. Be there to listen: One of the most important things you can do is to be a supportive listener. Let the person know that you are there to listen and offer a safe space for them to talk about their feelings.
2. Offer practical support: Offer to help with tasks or responsibilities that may be impacted by the parent's incarceration, such as providing meals, transportation, or child care.
3. Connect them with resources: There are many organizations and resources available to support individuals with incarcerated parents, such as support groups, counseling services, and legal assistance. Help them to connect with these resources if they are interested. Support groups like Prison Families Alliance https://prisonfamiliesalliance.org, International Prisoners’ Family Conference https://prisonersfamilyconference.org, International Network for Children of Incarcerated Parents https://inccip.org.
4. Avoid judgment: It is important to avoid making judgments about the incarcerated parent or the child's family situation. Instead, focus on providing empathy, understanding, and support.
5. Be patient: Dealing with parental incarceration can be a challenging and complex process. Be patient and understanding as the person navigates their emotions and experiences.

Ultimately, the most important thing you can do to help someone with parental incarceration is to be there for them and offer your support in a non-judgmental and compassionate way.

#stigma #shame #isolation #incarceration #prisonersfamilies #families 

PrisonersFamilyConference.org