While mothers are incarcerated, the disruption to the bond with their children places both at risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Parenting skills education can help to restore these bonds. Utilizing a pre- and posttest quasi-experimental design, we evaluated the effects of an evidence-based parenting program on females housed in a federal jail managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Findings indicate statistically significant decreases in depression, parental stress, and anxiety, and increased self-esteem. Participants also had increased contact with their children and reported more confidence in their parenting skills. Results imply that programs developed for women that enhance parenting skills and improve relationships with their children and/or children's caregivers are important jail-based interventions.
Keywords: children; jail; jail programming; parenting; peers; prisoners; reentry; rehabilitation; women.