Accessibility of evidence-based parenting programs in the community: Parents who are involved in the Criminal Justice System encounter barriers to program access

Abstract:

The intergenerational cycle of crime is well‐documented and there exists strong evidence that children of offenders are more likely to be involved in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) than children of non‐offenders. Parenting is important to children’s life outcomes, both generally and in the context of offending. However, little attention has been paid to the parenting programs and parenting support services for parents who are involved in the CJS, and this is particularly evident in the community corrections context, both internationally and in Australia. We know very little about the accessibility, uptake, and effectiveness of parenting interventions that are available to CJS‐involved parents in Australian communities, including parents who are ex‐prisoners and/or serving community‐based corrections orders or whose partner is involved in the CJS.