collateral effects of incarceration on fathers, families, and communities
Summary
The document, the collateral effects of incarceration on fathers, families, and communities is written by the Council on Crime and Justice (CCJ). It studied the racial inequality and its effects. It examines what happens when a member of a family or society is imprisoned. Specifically, when men are imprisoned and the consequences of imprisonment to the economy. Three interviews were conducted aimed to collect the data. Most of the instance that cause fathers to be imprisoned include; lack of role models, during their childhood. Nevertheless, they may have experienced unhealthy family dynamics, they became fathers at a young age, and scarce resources to be able to support their families financially (Council on Crime and Justice, 2006).
Imprisonment has impacted the society positively. When the prisoners return from prison, they find a community where they are readily welcomed. They are supported morally and financially; job opportunities are many, reduced crime rates in the society become evident. The housing is affordable and social relationships and solidarity increase. However, imprisonment has also had its negative sides. There is the loss of commercial investments; ex-convicts become rejected by society and political instability. When fathers fail to contribute to their families financially, they are affected psychologically and emotionally. The child-father relationship becomes weaker (Council on Crime and Justice, 2006).
As a solution to the problems, several recommendations were made. The first recommendation is to create a website where helpful information is shared to the society. Information concerning educational opportunities, counselling and educational opportunities would be provided. The other recommendation was to form family support groups. They would help to increase the network of support, thus expanding their chances to be heard. People visiting prisoners should be provided with free transportation to make it easy to meet their family members. Parenting classes were to be introduced to sort out the different needs of fathers. There was a significant need to address the issues of housing and properties of prisoners. This would be done by enhancing communication in the community, police and other city-county resources (Council on Crime and Justice, 2006).