What are the Hidden Costs for Mothers & Families with Incarceration?

“1.3 million children have a mother behind bars”.

It’s difficult enough when women realize they are invisible in a world they are such a big part of. Yet, every year, countless families are torn apart by the criminal justice system, with mothers at the center of this ripple effect. While incarceration impacts individuals, the far-reaching consequences on mothers and their families are often overlooked in broader discussions about justice reform. These consequences go beyond the prison walls, affecting children, communities, and the fabric of society itself. More than 60% of incarcerated women in the United States are mothers, and the vast majority of them are the primary caregivers of their children. On any given day, over 1.3 million children have a mother behind bars. These numbers highlight the devastating scale of the issue, with families struggling to stay connected and maintain stability in the absence of a key caregiver.

When a mother is incarcerated, her children often bear the brunt of the consequences. The effects manifest in several ways:

Emotional Toll: Children of incarcerated mothers frequently experience feelings of abandonment, shame, and loss. They may also develop attachment issues and exhibit behavioral problems due to the sudden absence of their primary caregiver.

Educational Disruption: Research shows that children with incarcerated parents are more likely to struggle academically, facing challenges such as reduced school attendance and increased risk of dropping out.

Financial Strain: With a mother behind bars, many families experience a sharp decline in household income. Relatives who step in as caregivers may struggle to meet the increased financial burden, leading to instability and, in some cases, involvement with child protective services. And when she returns to society these difficulties continue with all of the limitations placed on a felon.

The struggle is real. Maintaining family bonds during incarceration is a monumental challenge. Mothers face numerous obstacles, including:

Geographic Distance: Many prisons are far from urban centers, making visitation costly and logistically challenging for families.

Strict Visitation Policies: Even when families can visit, the environment is often intimidating for children, with limited opportunities for meaningful interaction.

Financial Barriers: Phone calls, video chats, and correspondence often come with high fees, making regular communication unaffordable for low-income families.

Despite these challenges, many mothers go to extraordinary lengths to remain emotionally present in their children’s lives. From writing letters to participating in parenting programs behind bars, their resilience is a testament to the enduring power of maternal love.

The question that needs to be asked is how we can focus on the issue of a broken-down family that is impossible to rebuild once broken. These mothers are more than a statistic, and the impact on their lives is far-reaching beyond her. How can we better address the unique challenges that currently punish the entire family?

The question isn’t just about justice—it’s about humanity. How can we build a world where mothers and their children survive, no matter their challenges? The answer starts with empathy, action, and the courage to reform a system that too often breaks the bonds that hold families together. During this holiday season, please think of the children who are suffering from the loss of their mother and consider ways to contribute to that connection. Consider buying one of our children’s books, where the purchase of one for you sends one to an incarcerated woman and her family to share.