Motherhood after Incarceration: Community Reintegration for Mothers in the Criminal Legal System

Motherhood after Incarceration: Community Reintegration for Mothers in the Criminal Legal System explores the relationships of women with their children after periods of incarceration, using in-depth interviews with 39 women in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. It finds that incarceration affects mother/child bonds, and obstacles interfere with successful reintegration. Mothers who regain immediate custody of their children reintegrate better than those with delayed resumption of child custody. Policies for reducing recidivism should provide more resources for housing, childcare, mental health, and job training.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 180 pages
\n Publication date: 23 March 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Motherhood after Incarceration: Community Reintegration for Mothers in the Criminal Legal System delves into the intricate relationships between women and their children following periods of incarceration. Through in-depth interviews with 39 mothers who have recently been released in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area, the analysis explores the impact of incarceration on mother-child bonds, the challenges these mothers face during their reintegration into the community, and the differences in reintegration outcomes between those who regain immediate custody and those with delayed or no resumption of child custody. The findings of this research shed light on the struggles justice-involved mothers encounter as they strive to rebuild their lives, reconcile with their children, and overcome various obstacles such as employment, housing, family relationships, and the risk of recidivism. The authors propose policy recommendations aimed at reducing recidivism among reentering women, including increased resources for housing, childcare, mental health, and job training and coaching. Additionally, they emphasize the need for parenting support, including social and emotional counseling, and resources to maintain family ties, particularly in the context of the lengthy separation between mothers and children. This book appeals to academics, policy makers, community advocates, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of motherhood, justice, and community reintegration.

\n Weight: 418g\n
Dimension: 236 x 186 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367365097\n \n