The Impact of Parental Criminal Justice Involvement on Children of Color

Abstract

Over the past five decades, arrest, incarceration, and correctional supervisory rates have risen dramatically. One collateral consequence of the upward trend concerns the millions of children who are deeply impacted by the effects of parental criminal justice involvement and the associated risks, yet remain relatively hidden from society and underserved by support systems. Of great concern is the extent to which children of color, who are significantly overrepresented, experience increased vulnerability to adversity and poor outcomes. The need and opportunity exist to examine contributors to racial disproportionality and disparity among this population and to identify policies and practices that counteract contributing factors. This chapter discusses the scope of the problem, the impact that parental criminal justice involvement and the associated risks have on youth, and policies and practices that contribute to overrepresentation of children of color. Policy and practice recommendations that advocate for culturally informed responses and child-centered approaches are provided.