Somebody’s mum, somebody’s dad : parents as offenders and offenders as parents in New South Wales

Abstract

This paper discusses first, the current literature on parenting programs and services and their effect on offending behaviour; and second, the current situation in CSNSW for offenders in custody who are parents. In section one, the review of literature focuses on findings that discuss the links between parenting and re-offending behaviour. First, theories of attachment and generativity are described to explain the mechanisms of parenting related to offending behaviour. Second, the limitations in the current literature that reduce the possibility of evidenced-based practice are discussed. Section two outlines the regulatory framework in NSW to illustrate the duties and limitations by CSNSW in the management of incarcerated offenders who are parents, and provide services that affect the wellbeing of children. Section three first presents an overview of the current population of incarcerated offenders who are parents is presented. Second, an account of the current programs and services available to this large subpopulation is detailed.