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Family and Residential Instability in the Context of Paternal and Maternal Incarceration

NCJ Number
234929
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2011 Pages: 231-247
Author(s)
Melinda Tasca; Nancy Rodriguez; Marjorie S. Zatz
Date Published
March 2011
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of parental incarceration on youth.
Abstract
This study contributes to research on the effects of parental incarceration on youth, using quantitative and qualitative social file data among a sample of youth referred to an urban juvenile court. The authors expand on prior research by highlighting the role of the "unstable family" before and after parental incarceration, looking specifically at changes in guardianship status and residential instability. Maternal incarceration was significantly related to rearrest among youth, and residential instability that occurred following both maternal and paternal incarceration was significantly associated with rearrest. Results underscore the need for more nuanced research on the dynamic relation among family situational factors, paternal and maternal incarceration, and continued involvement of youth in the juvenile justice system. (Published Abstract)