Children’s Socioemotional Experiences During Maternal Incarceration at Langata Women’s Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya.

Abstract

The escalating rates of maternal incarceration have catalyzed a surge in children whose lives are thrust into disarray. The separation of a child from their mother due to incarceration significantly disrupts the child’s life to a greater extent than when a father is incarcerated. This study sought to explore the socioemotional experiences encountered by children aged 12-17 years in Nairobi County, during their mothers’ imprisonment at Langata Women’s Prison. The study was guided by four objectives: Identify children’s socioemotional experiences during maternal incarceration; examine their perceptions regarding their mother's imprisonment; evaluate the available support systems and coping mechanisms during maternal incarceration; and analyze children’s suggestions for the support they desire during their mothers' incarceration. Grounded in Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and resilience model, the study employed a mixed-method approach. It used hermeneutic phenomenological and descriptive study designs to uncover the multifaceted socioemotional impacts of these children. The population of children guided by 312 incarcerated women was considered to be 312 at the time of the study, based on the assumption that each woman had one child. Given this, children were selected from 18 eligible mothers, resulting in a sample of 18 children and 18 caregivers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 9 children and 6 caregivers, alongside 2 focus group discussions with incarcerated mothers (9 participants in each group), and a questionnaire was used to gather mothers’ demographic information. Qualitative data was analyzed using MAXQDA 22, while Excel365, and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), 25 were used for quantitative data. The study’s findings revealed the following key themes: children’s experience of maternal arrest and court proceedings, insensitivity during information delivery to children, untellability of incarceration, emotional concerns during prison visits and the impact on their relationships and social interactions. Children also highlighted changes experienced in their lives, their views on the situation, and coping mechanisms. The commonly reported feelings were shock, fear, confusion, anxiety, uncertainty, ambiguous loss, stress, loneliness, stigmatization, and struggle to disclose the issue. Further, children suggested they need basic needs particularly education, a shelter where they could have all their needs met until their mothers returned, more time during visits, love and acceptance, and prioritization of their best interests during maternal incarceration. Quantitative data revealed that most incarcerated mothers were the primary/sole providers before incarceration, with a large number having been in prison for over 19 months. The study underlined the significance of comprehensive child support and prioritization of children’s best interests during maternal incarceration. Thus, the study recommended developing policies, advocating for children’s rights, strengthening families, specific government budgets to support children, and offering psychosocial support.