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: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
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 can have far-reaching effects on the child's well-being and future prospects.

The primary objective of this collection is to elevate the voices of these children and explore the boundaries between different disciplines as they seek to understand 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, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of this issue.

Part 1: Hearing the Voices of Children with Parents in Prison
In this section, the book focuses on hearing the experiences and perspectives of children who have parents in prison. Through interviews, surveys, and case studies, the authors aim to shed light on the challenges and hardships these children face, as well as the ways in which they are affected by their parent's incarceration. The children's voices provide a powerful testament to the need for greater attention and support to be given to their rights and well-being.

Part 2: Understanding the Role of Children's Rights in Prison Policy
The second part of the book examines the role of children's rights in shaping prison policy. The authors explore how the principles and values of children's rights can inform the development of policies and practices that prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of both children and their parents. They also discuss the challenges and barriers that exist in implementing children's rights in prison settings and propose strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Part 3: Demonstrating How Children's Rights Can Inform Court Sentencing and Prison Practice
The third and final 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 into the legal framework, policymakers and practitioners can create a more child-friendly and supportive environment that promotes the rehabilitation and reintegration of parents into their families and communities. They also provide examples of good and bad practice from various European countries, highlighting the successes and challenges in implementing children's rights in the context of parental incarceration.

This book is an accessible and compelling read for students and scholars of law, children's rights, and social justice. It offers valuable insights into the experiences of children with parents in prison and provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal, conceptual, and practical implications of parental incarceration through a children's rights lens. The research conducted in this book has been conducted in a number of European countries, providing a rich and diverse perspective on the issue.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of children's rights and criminal justice. It highlights the need for greater attention and support to be given to the rights of children with parents in prison and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the legal, conceptual, and practical implications of parental incarceration through a children's rights lens. By elevating the voices of these children and exploring transdisciplinary boundaries, the authors hope to inspire policymakers, practitioners, and scholars to work towards creating a more just and compassionate society for all children, regardless of their parent's circumstances.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367757977