What will be left of parenthood when the prison gates remain closed? And how can society help maintain the bond that gives a child a sense of safety and love? This book uncovers the not so visible world of parenting behind bars – a world in which parental love must navigate systemic barriers, stigma and physical distance. While parents struggle to maintain a relationship with their child, children face a silent loss that few know about and few understand. Imprisoned parenting provides a glimpse into the heart of the parenting experience during incarceration: how the role of the parent changes when authority, closeness, and daily contact gradually disappear. Capturing the voices of parents in prison, their children, and those who care for them, the research shows what can be lost from parenting – and what can be preserved despite prison walls. Drawing on attachment theory and the capability approach, the book reveals the deep interplay between parental absence, stigma and structural deprivation. It is not just about the loss of contact – it is about the loss of security, safety and opportunities that would enable children to live a dignified and fulfilling life. The authors combine qualitative and quantitative data from the testimonies of children, caregivers, and incarcerated parents, and provide practical recommendations for professionals who work with these children. The book opens up a space for deeper understanding and thoughtful interventions on behalf of children and their families – both in the Czech context and in the wider international debate on the consequences of parental incarceration.
Team of authors: Navrátilová Jitka, Navrátil Pavel, Punová Monika, Dvořáčková Žaneta, Smutná Veronika, Vander Jiří
