Imprisoned parenting

What is left of parenthood when the prison gates close?
And how can society help maintain the bond that gives a child a sense of security and love?
This book uncovers the often unseen world of parenting behind bars—a world in which parental love must navigate systemic barriers, stigma and physical distance. While parents struggle to maintain their relationship with their child, the children face a silent loss that few people know about and even fewer 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 the 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.