ARC_MonashCJRC_The Impact of Incarceration on Children’s Care A Strategic Framework for Good Care Planning_2015.pdf

In order to examine current care planning experiences and practices for children whose primary carers are arrested and imprisoned in Victoria and New South Wales, this multi-method study gathered primary data from 151 imprisoned primary carers, 27 carers, three children and two adult children, along with 124 professional stakeholders. Secondary data was sought from both statutory and nongovernment organisations about imprisoned parents and children. Relevant rights, legislative and policy documents were also reviewed.

It is clear that numbers of parents being imprisoned are increasing, as are the number of children affected, yet this group remains hidden and relatively few children and families appear to access relevant support. Little data has been collected from statutory bodies about this group of children, and responses tend to be ad hoc and based on worker knowledge and experience.