How Are Families Affected by Incarceration?

The incarceration of a loved one is devastating on families. It can be as traumatizing as losing someone unexpectedly to death. Over 6 million adults in the U.S. have a family member in jail or prison. But because of the stigma, many don’t talk about it or seek support. 

Some of the stressors of incarceration for loved ones include: 

• Witnessing the arrest

• Anticipating and attending court hearings and sentencing

• Uprooting children from their homes and schools

Here we’ll look at ways incarceration impacts families and what they can do to cope and move forward with their lives.

How are families affected by incarceration?

In the justice system, the families of people in prison are often called “hidden victims.” Like true crime victims, they didn’t ask for their circumstances. But while crime victims can find support, family members may go unheard by the courts and unsupported by society.

These families can also face intense emotional and physical distress while struggling to pay for the costs of incarceration. 

Mental health effects

Many family members struggle with disenfranchised grief, says Avon Hart-Johnson, PhD, president and co-founder of DC Project Connect (DCPC). DCPC is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that provides crisis support, advocacy, and psychoeducational services for families affected by incarceration. Disenfranchised grief is the result of a loss that doesn’t fit into society’s norms. 

“This type of grief can be intense because unlike losing a person through death, social support is not as forthcoming from family, friends, and colleagues,” says Hart-Johnson. “Instead, affected families may feel abandoned and left to deal with their own sadness given the stigma and shame associated with incarceration.” 

Social stigma also impacts the family. Some family members and friends are embarrassed to talk about the incarceration. Others reject the incarcerated person and distance themselves from those that remain in contact with them.

“We need to raise awareness so that people can be open without feeling ashamed,” says Julia Lazareck, co-founder and president of Prison Families Alliance. Lazareck’s brother was incarcerated for 15 years and died in prison.

In addition, studies suggest that adult women, such as partners of incarcerated men and mothers of incarcerated adult children, struggle with depression and anxiety. 

Children with a parent behind bars experience serious effects, too. They may struggle with: 

• Low self-esteem

• Depression

• Isolation

• Behavior problems at school

Physical health effects 

Family member incarceration can also impact physical health. 

One study suggests that women whose partners are locked up are at higher risk of heart-related diseases and poor health outcomes. These may include: 

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

Children of incarcerated parents also have physical health issues. They may be at higher risk for:

• Asthma

• Migraines

• High blood pressure

Incarceration may also lead to additional stressors for the entire family that can result in a decline in physical health. These situations might include: 

• Divorce

• Loss of income

• Unstable housing

Incarceration disproportionately affects Black communities and more than likely increases health disparities in these families.

Financial effects

If the incarcerated individual is the family’s primary breadwinner, the family may struggle financially. 

• Some families lose their homes, fall behind on bills, and delay medical care. 

• Others must choose between paying for their basic needs and placing money on their loved one’s commissary account (an account to purchase goods within the prison). 

• Children may end up living with grandparents or older children may have to take jobs to help support the family financially. 

The report “Who Pays? The True Cost of Incarceration on Families” brings to light many other financial consequences for families of people in prison. 

• 2 in 3 families have trouble paying for basic needs.

• 1 in 5 families are unable to afford housing.

• More than 1 in 3 families go into debt due to the high cost of prison phone calls and visitation.

• Families often pay over $13,000 in court costs, which is nearly the equivalent of annual wages for a low-income family. 

• 3 of 4 formerly incarcerated individuals are unable to find jobs upon release.

• Nearly 80% of people in these families are not eligible for or are denied housing because of their own or their loved one’s prison record.

What resources are available for families dealing with incarceration? 

Many organizations support families impacted by incarceration. Groups like Prison Families Alliance hold a wide range of support group meetings online. Assisting Families of Inmates has monthly support group meetings led by a social worker and peer facilitator. They also host a mental health seminar series for families on Zoom. 

Can therapy help families with a loved one in prison?

Studies suggest that family therapy can benefit family members by:

• Healing broken attachments between parents and children

• Managing acting out behaviors in youth

• Managing symptoms associated with substance misuse

• Developing stronger ties between family members

• Promoting family harmony

• Reducing symptoms of mental health issues

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) may offer the most benefits.

TF-CBT can focus on processing the traumatic experience of incarceration and managing any associated triggers. 

According to Elaine Barclay, PhD, a licensed professional counselor, trauma therapy may require less intense counseling and can help affected families in the following ways:

• Reframes the trauma narrative

• Reduces the stronghold of haunting and frightening memories from the trauma

• Brings about a sense of relief by giving a name to emotional anguish

• Reduces the consequences from prolonged adverse exposure to trauma

• Identifies triggers and enhances self-regulation of emotions

• Reduces the effects of continuous symptoms

• Implements coping strategies to reduce stress-related symptoms

• Stabilizes emotions to regain peace of mind

• Helps clients find a silver lining and identify their personal strengths

How do you find a therapist?

The cost of therapy can be a barrier for a family without insurance or with limited funds. Thankfully, there are programs that make therapy easier to access, such as:

• Local social services

• Nonprofits like Open Path Psychotherapy Collective and National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

• Employer mental health benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP)

• Free mental health support groups

• Private therapists with sliding scale options

• Local university medical schools with free or low-cost clinics

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

• Your child’s school counselor

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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