Citation

Tasca M, Rodriguez N, Zatz MS. Crim. Justice Behav. 2011; 38(3): 231-247.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093854810391632

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study contributes to research on the effects of parental incarceration on youth, using quantitative and qualitative social file data among a sample of youth referred to an urban juvenile court. The authors expand on prior research by highlighting the role of the "unstable family" before and after parental incarceration, looking specifically at changes in guardianship status and residential instability. Maternal incarceration was significantly related to rearrest among youth, and residential instability that occurred following both maternal and paternal incarceration was significantly associated with rearrest. Results underscore the need for more nuanced research on the dynamic relation among family situational factors, paternal and maternal incarceration, and continued involvement of youth in the juvenile justice system.