Document Type

Article

Abstract

Incarceration does not just affect the convicted person, it has far-reaching consequences for their families, communities, and society as a whole. This research paper provides a closer insight at the wide-ranging impacts of incarceration. Reviewing interviews, data analysis, and long-term studies provides a clear perspective of how damaging incarceration can be to the incarcerated, their families, friends, and community. The findings show that prison takes a significant toll on someone's mental health, both during their time inside and even after they are released. Yet prisons severely lack adequate mental health support, which is desperately needed. The research also reveals that incarceration creates major financial, social, and long-lasting problems for the families left behind. It causes emotional and money struggles, disrupts relationships, and especially harms the well-being of children. Children with an incarcerated parent face increased risks to their physical and mental health, higher chances of behavioral issues, and are more likely to get involved in crime and end up imprisoned themselves - continuing the vicious cycle. Looking at whole communities, the data shows that high imprisonment rates stifle business growth, job opportunities, and economic mobility in those neighborhoods. Once released, individuals who were incarcerated often cannot access quality income sources/work or housing and lack support systems, making them likely to reoffend and continue the cycle. While more research is still needed in some areas, the evidence clearly shows that incarceration deeply weakens families, communities, and society overall. This reality urgently calls for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, in and outside the criminal justice system, to come together and pursue reforms prioritizing rehabilitation, support services, and human dignity over punishment that perpetuates marginalization.

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2024

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