When Incarcerated Parents Lose Contact with Their Children

by Denise Johnston and Michael Carlin, Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents


It is becoming increasingly common for incarcerated parents to lose contact with their children, or knowledge of their whereabouts, during their time in jail and/or prison. This phenomenon may seem ...

by Denise Johnston & Michael Carlin


In 1999, the Michigan Department of Corrections [MDOC] imposed a broad set of restrictions upon parent-child prison visitation. These restrictions included prohibition of visits to prisoners by minor siblings, nieces and nephews, and by children unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. After appeal, ...

Denise Johnston & Michael Carlin

T.L. had a son with a woman who lived in another part of his home state. He had little contact with the woman after the baby's birth, and never met her family. When his son was 3 months of age, T.L. was arrested. Two years ...

by Denise Johnston and Michael Carlin

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 25% of the nation's adult population lives with a criminal record for a substantial portion of their lives. The majority of these adults are parents. The Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents estimates that there ...