Parental Imprisonment and Children's Rights

This book explores the legal, conceptual, and practical consequences of parental imprisonment through a children's rights lens, highlighting the voices of children with parents in prison and examining how children's rights inform prison policy. The research is conducted in European countries and demonstrates both good and bad practice in implementing children's rights in this context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book brings together a diverse group of internationally renowned academics and professionals from various disciplines, all of whom are dedicated to understanding the legal, conceptual, and practical implications of parental imprisonment through a children's rights lens. Children whose parents have been incarcerated are often overlooked and considered invisible victims of crime and the penal system. It is widely acknowledged that the imprisonment of a parent, even for a short period of time, not only negatively impacts the lives of children but also constitutes a gross violation of their fundamental human rights, including the right to access their parent and the right to participate in decision-making processes that affect them. The consequences of these violations are far-reaching and can have a lasting impact on the child's well-being and future prospects.

This collection aims to shed light on the experiences of these children by highlighting their voices and perspectives. It explores transdisciplinary boundaries and examines the practice and development of the rights of both children and their families within the broader context of criminal justice and penology practices. The text is organized into three distinct parts:

Part 1: Hearing the Voices of Children with Parents in Prison: In this section, the book delves into the experiences of children who have parents in prison. It seeks to understand their perspectives, challenges, and needs, as well as the impact of parental incarceration on their lives. Through interviews, surveys, and case studies, the authors provide a rich account of the experiences of these children and their families.

Part 2: Understanding the Role of Children's Rights in Prison Policy: The second part of the book explores the role of children's rights in shaping prison policy. It examines how policies and practices related to parental incarceration affect the rights and well-being of children. The authors analyze the legal frameworks, policies, and practices that are in place to protect and promote the rights of children in these situations.

Part 3: Demonstrating How Children's Rights Can Inform Court Sentencing and Prison Practice: The third part of the book demonstrates how children's rights can be used to frame both court sentencing and prison practice in a way that minimizes the harm that contact with the prison system can cause. The authors argue that by incorporating children's rights principles into these processes, policymakers and practitioners can create more child-friendly and effective systems that prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of children affected by parental incarceration.

The research conducted for this book draws upon a wealth of data and insights from a number of European countries, providing a comprehensive examination of good and bad practices as far as the implementation of children's rights in the context of parental incarceration is concerned. The authors highlight both the successes and challenges encountered in these countries and offer recommendations for improving the protection and promotion of children's rights in these situations.

This book is an accessible and compelling read for students and scholars of law, children's rights, and social justice. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of children with parents in prison and offers practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working to create more child-friendly and effective systems that prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of children affected by parental incarceration.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 159 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138283473