Parent education for mothers in prison

Abstract

The over 26,700 mothers in U.S. prisons are a nursing concern. Incarceration disrupts families and affects mothers, children, and caregivers alike. Outcomes of prison parenting programs include improved self-esteem, behavioral expectations, empathy, discipline, family roles, relationships, and a commitment to avoid substance abuse and reincarceration, all beneficial to families and society. Nurses can voice support for prison policies that support the mother-child relationship and can help to meet the needs both of children whose mothers are incarcerated and women who were previously incarcerated.