This week’s In the Read refers to some resources about issues around prisons, parents, children and young people.
A recent Australian Law Reform Commission report examines the incarceration rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and notes that placement of children in out-of-home care often leads to their involvement with youth detention and adult imprisonment. The report also states that the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents – particularly women – in prison has a direct effect on the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in out-of-home care. A chapter is devoted to child protection and adult incarceration. 35 recommendations are aimed to reduce the disproportionate number of Australian Indigenous peoples being imprisoned, including to establish a national inquiry into child protection laws and processes affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Find the report here.
Child Family Community Australia has collated their holdings on prisoners and their families. These include research about supporting children of prisoners, supporting prisoners who are parents pre and post release, and reports of inquiries about access to rights and improving connections between children and incarcerated parents. Other available resources include an Institute for Child Protection Studies’ research to practice paper about issues for children with parents in prison; a literature review undertaken to inform future program development of mothers and children programs in Victorian prisons; and a strategic framework for good care planning of children pre, during and post release of their parent/s from prison.