Rebecca J Shlafer1, Tyler Reedy2, Laurel Davis1. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. 2. Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, MN 55104.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Parental incarceration impacts millions of children in the United States and has important consequences for youths' adjustment and school-based outcomes. METHODS: Using data from a survey of youth behavior in one large Midwestern state, we examined the effect of both present and past parental incarceration on school-based outcomes, across 3 school settings (public schools, alternative learning centers, and juvenile correctional facilities). RESULTS: Parental incarceration was significantly associated with students' poor school-based outcomes; however, these effects varied markedly by school setting. Among youth in public schools, parental incarceration was consistently associated with poor school outcomes. There were mixed effects among youth in alternative learning centers and no significant effects among youth in juvenile correctional facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The study adds to a body of literature demonstrating the negative effects of parental incarceration on youth's school-based outcomes for youth in public schools; however, findings were mixed for youth in alternative learning centers and juvenile correctional facilities. Implications for future research and school practitioners are discussed.
BACKGROUND: Parental incarceration impacts millions of children in the United States and has important consequences for youths' adjustment and school-based outcomes. METHODS: Using data from a survey of youth behavior in one large Midwestern state, we examined the effect of both present and past parental incarceration on school-based outcomes, across 3 school settings (public schools, alternative learning centers, and juvenile correctional facilities). RESULTS: Parental incarceration was significantly associated with students' poor school-based outcomes; however, these effects varied markedly by school setting. Among youth in public schools, parental incarceration was consistently associated with poor school outcomes. There were mixed effects among youth in alternative learning centers and no significant effects among youth in juvenile correctional facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The study adds to a body of literature demonstrating the negative effects of parental incarceration on youth's school-based outcomes for youth in public schools; however, findings were mixed for youth in alternative learning centers and juvenile correctional facilities. Implications for future research and school practitioners are discussed.