Abstract
Researchers have estimated that approximately 2.7 million children in the United States have a parent in jail or prison. Since 1991, the number of children with a father in prison grew by 77%, while the number of children with a mother in prison more than doubled (131%). In examining the consequences of maternal incarceration on children, many researchers have found an association between negative child outcomes and maternal incarceration. However, not all research has produced the same conclusions, thus yielding heterogeneous findings. It is essential to understand the factors that may explain the variation in outcomes of children experiencing maternal incarceration. Data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study is used to examine how sibling relationships moderate the effect of maternal incarceration on juvenile delinquency. The findings show that exposure to maternal incarceration and living with a sibling is associated with variation in juvenile delinquency among adolescents. This will assist practitioners and policymakers to bring awareness to sibling relationships as a way to alleviate strains among youth who experience maternal incarceration. A better understanding of which factors contribute to more favorable outcomes will allow for more effective interventions and allocation of resources for children, families, and communities.
Recommended Citation
Woodard, Tracey L.
(2025)
"Maternal Incarceration, Adolescent Delinquency, and Siblings,"
Midwest Social Sciences Journal: Vol. 27:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/2766-0796.1156
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/mssj/vol27/iss2/1
