Children of Imprisoned Parents: A Guide to Holistic Caregiver and Child Well-Being

For too long, the adverse impacts of parental incarceration have remained in the shadows. This book, along with its companion volume, Children of Imprisoned Parents: A Workbook for Holistic Caregiver and Child Well-Being (ISBN 978-1-4766-8717-9), illuminates the hidden challenges. Through an empowering journey, the authors help caregivers expand their understanding of children’s stress-response systems, allowing them to recognize how anxiety and grief may manifest in a child’s daily behaviors.

In this valuable guide for caregivers, supporters and practitioners, the authors address several important questions: How do you recover from the pain of telling children mistruths about parental arrest and imprisonment? What are the profound impacts of parental incarceration on child development and the intricate body-brain connection? Are children of incarcerated parents prone to incarceration themselves? With a rare blend of sensitivity and clarity, the authors delve into tough topics such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, childhood suicide ideation, grief and loss, and other significant domains.

Evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions offer actionable strategies to mitigate risks associated with involuntary separation and loss between children and their parents. Users benefit from a well-rounded, comprehensive, and holistic focus spanning psychological, social, emotional, and environmental factors associated with children losing a parent, even for a short time. Practical tools promote effective coping, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. Trauma-responsive and healing-centered approaches empower caregivers and their children to thrive in the face of daunting challenges.

Avon Hart-Johnson is a dedicated researcher, scholar, and advocate at the forefront of social justice initiatives. Her books and journal publications focus on the intersection of mass incarceration and its profound effects on children, families, and communities. She also leads national and international coalitions, driving discussions on social change, human rights, and reparative justice. Geoffrey Alan Johnson possesses a distinctive combination of experience in law enforcement, research, and non-profit leadership. He bridges the gap between the demand for practical strategies in public policy, juvenile justice reform, and the promotion of structural changes in social justice. He is the author of handbooks on family member incarceration and has created children’s books to help youth better grasp the related complexities.