Inadequate care for children of prisoners

The hardships suffered by families following imprisonment of the father usually involves the most serious economic disadvantages. Mothers are obliged to seek work or, if unable to do so, must depend on outside assistance. Children may frequently be neglected under the new circumstances. Imprisonment may also be followed by divorce and children may be abandoned in the care of welfare services. Even where the home is maintained in the case of imprisonment of one of the parents, the emotional stress placed on children, particularly adolescents, is largely neglected and gives rise to mental problems and anti-social behaviour.