Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Clarence Williamson

Abstract

Research has found that children who experience the incarceration of a parent may experience behavioral, psychological, and emotional problems. Studies have identified treatment programs and interventions designed to alleviate the long-term effects of parental incarceration on children. Limited research exists on the impact of treatment programs and interventions on these children. The purpose of this research was to determine if treatment programs are successful in reducing future incarceration rates for adults that experienced the incarceration of a parent during childhood. Research questions examined how treatment programs and interventions impacted the sample population. A phenomenological approach guided the study methods and purposeful sampling strategy guided selection of 20 participants 18 years or older, who experienced an incarcerated parent and experienced subsequent treatment programs or interventions. Face-to Face interviews were conducted using a modified version of The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Investigative Interview Protocol. Open coding was used to identify and analyze common themes that emerged from the interviews. The findings revealed that treatment and intervention significantly impacted participants. Participants believed exposure to resources that are not available in their environment assisted them with living productive lives without any incidents of being incarcerated. Treatment programs create positive social change by providing support that aids in reducing the potential incarceration rate for children in this category, equips them with the tools for living productive lives, and informs development of innovative programs.

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