PS: 514 Seminar in Public Policy February 20th, 2017 Clarke-Stewart, K. A. & Parke, R. Effects of parental incarceration on young children. (2003). Travis, J. & Waul, M. Prisoners once removed: the impact of incarceration and reentry on children, families, and communities. 189-232. Washington D.C. The Urban Institute Press. There are several determining factors that affect the children of incarcerated parents. Clarke-Stewart and Parke give an analysis of research of these factors, including families, programs in the correctional system, as well as relationship bonds between children and their parents. The article uses research and statistics to explain the different phases a child goes through when their parent is incarcerated. Phases start with short term effects, such as considering the relationship and living arrangements prior to arrest. The long-term effects of incarceration on a child changes depending on the age of the child during the incarceration period as well as the gender of the parent and attachment bond between parent and child. The article covers stakeholders that are generally overlooked in policies and programs such as the caregivers of children during incarceration and the reunification period. An overview of benefits and research supporting programs for incarcerated parents include parenting classes, family visitations, post-incarceration job and home placement as well as prison nurseries. Research shows that recidivism rates for parents in the programs went down, while self-esteem and family connections increased. Clarke-Stewart and Parke note in their article the need for further longitudal research, programs that are accessible, as well as a need for collaboration between several institutions to better support families through the incarceration and reunification periods. Clarke-Stewart and Parke’s article briefly covers several variables that effect children of incarcerated parents. Due to this brief overview, the article makes a good starting point for a reader who is new to subject. Recommendations are to gather updated statistics as well as program and policy information for incarcerated parents and their children.

YochimJ PS: 514 Seminar in Public Policy O’Brien, R. (2013). Reasonable efforts and parent – child reunification. Michigan State Law Review. 1029

The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 changed the timeline for states to make reasonable efforts to reunify families that have been separated due to state intervention. However, the timeline decreased and pushed for permanency in a home for the child. Due to constraints, such as a shorter timeline, funding, and resources, a parent’s rights may be terminated instead of reunification. The children that are removed from a home under the ASFA are generally removed due to chronic problems and harm to the child, making the state responsible for determining the balance of constitutional rights of a parent and the health and safety of a child. The majority of families are generally in poverty which can be considered neglect, exasperating the problem of parent’s ability to access resources, stable housing and employment, all of which are necessary for successful reunification.<br> Problems with the AFSA surround reasonable efforts. The timing outlined for reasonable efforts to be made to reunify the family has been shortened as well as the definition of reasonable efforts is vague and can be waived by the courts due to concerns over the safety of the child. Parents may also refuse services which can terminate their rights. The services that are available are dependent on budget. When a state’s budget is short, such as during the 2008 recession, services for reunification may not be available. One of the ways families are supported are through Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA’s began being utilized in the Superior Court in Seattle, Washington. They are volunteers the work alongside attorneys representing children in foster care. A child with a CASA is more likely to be adopted and not return to the foster care system. CASA’s are necessary advocates due to family and children’s inability to navigate the court system and access resources.