Criminology Research Council grant ; (35/92-3)
This study involved semi-structured interviews with women who had served at least one sentence in a NSW prison and had at least one child under the age of 18 years prior to imprisonment. All of the women interviewed agreed that imprisonment had effects on their children, and on their relationships with their children, following release from prison. The initial post-release period was a particularly stressful time, and re-establishing bonds with children following the separation of imprisonment was the most common problem identified. Recommendations for change included mechanisms for acknowledgment of mothers' responsibilities during sentencing and during imprisonment (for example, improved visiting arrangements, establishment of support and education groups and more appropriate accommodation), and implementation of supports for children, for their carers while their mothers are in prison, and for mothers and children in the post-release period.