Unmet Mental Health Needs of Jailed Parents With Young Children

Abstract

Objective Mental health symptoms in jailed parents with young children were examined in relation to gender, race, trauma, parenting stress, and supports.Background Most U.S. incarceration occurs in jails, which are notorious for high rates of mental illness. Jail incarceration is a significant stressor for families because most incarcerated individuals are parents.Method The sample included 165 jailed parents with children (aged 2-6 years) who completed an interview and questionnaires. Relative risk analyses determined symptom severity, and multivariate analysis of variance tested differences in White and non-White mothers and fathers. Ordinary least squares regression examined predictors of mental health symptoms.Results Depression and thought problems (hallucinations, strange thoughts, self-harm) were the most common problems. Jailed mothers reported more depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and drug abuse than fathers. Childhood physical abuse and parenting stress were associated with more symptoms, whereas family support related to fewer symptoms.Conclusion Jailed parents experienced 3 to 5 times the odds of symptoms compared with norms, with a high rate of comorbidities relative to the low proportion of parents who received any mental health treatment.Implications Mental health interventions for jailed parents are needed, especially gender-responsive, trauma-informed services that decrease parenting stress and foster positive family connections.