Childhood Disrupted: New Report Examines Children's Lives When Mother is in Prison

Volunteers of America/Wilder Research study focuses on fast-growing population of 150,000 American children

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Most incarcerated mothers feel unprepared to resume caring for their children after being released from prison, and the majority of these families don't have access to the support they need to rebuild parental bonds and establish successful lives, according to the results of new research released by Volunteers of America.

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Starting in late 2009, Volunteers of America and Wilder Research collaborated on one of the nation's first, multistate studies on the lives of incarcerated mothers, their children and the caregivers who step in while mothers are behind bars. The study included more than 200 interviews with the mothers, their children and their children's caregivers.

A full copy of the research report, titled "Childhood Disrupted: Understanding the Features and Effects of Maternal Incarceration," is available at www.VolunteersofAmerica.org.

"Many of these families already struggle with multigenerational poverty," said Volunteers of America National President Mike King. "It's crucial that children whose mothers are incarcerated have the same opportunities to build the academic, social and emotional skills needed for a successful adulthood."

Among the research findings:

• Most incarcerated mothers expressed concern for their ability to support their children after their release;
• 91 percent of mothers entering prison admitted to substance abuse problems, but only 9 percent believed it would remain a problem post-release – demonstrating an unrealistic expectation about prospects for recovering from addiction after leaving prison;
• 81 percent of children are expected to remain with their current caregiver even after their mothers are released;
• 1-in-5 of these children said they are strongly ambivalent about their mother's release.

More than 150,000 American children today have mothers who are in federal and state prisons – a population that grew 122 percent between 1991 and 2007. Despite the explosive growth of this group, there are only a handful of prisoner reentry programs in the U.S. specifically designed to support incarcerated mothers and their families. Children whose mothers are incarcerated are more likely to witness their parents' arrest and experience significant trauma as a result. When a mother is incarcerated, children are also more likely to be transferred to the care of a non-parental caregiver.

Nationally, Volunteers of America is one of the leading providers of services to low-income children and families. With support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the organization launched "Look Up and Hope: Strengthening Families Affected by Incarceration," aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty for children whose parents are in prison. More information can be found at www.voa.org/LookUpandHope.

About Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities. We offer a variety of services for older Americans, in particular, that allow them to maintain their independence and quality of life – everything from an occasional helping hand to full-time care. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit www.VolunteersofAmerica.org.

SOURCE Volunteers of America