# Behind Prison Walls: Critical Overview of the Mental Health Trajectories of Children Living With Incarcerated Mothers

## TL;DR

Children living with incarcerated mothers face developmental delays due to lack of resources and stimulating environments, highlighting the need for better support systems.

## Contribution

This review highlights the mental health and developmental risks faced by children of incarcerated mothers and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing their well-being.

## Key findings

- Children in prison environments often experience delayed development due to lack of cognitive and emotional stimulation.
- Prison nurseries may foster positive maternal-child bonds, potentially improving resilience.
- Higher-order thinking skills in these children face greater developmental challenges compared to lower-order cognitive functions.

## Abstract

Insufficient resources have been identified as a significant factor contributing to delayed development across all domains for children living with their incarcerated mothers. Often lacking extended family support, these children experience environments resembling confinement, devoid of essential cognitive, social, and emotional stimuli crucial for their development. This deprivation can result in substantial educational setbacks and hinder their social integration. This review aims to examine the impact of the prison environment on the development of children residing with their incarcerated mothers. Current research underscores a notable scarcity of comprehensive data on the developmental paths of these children. Some studies suggest that prison nurseries may cultivate positive intergenerational attachments, potentially mitigating the typically low resilience observed in cases of maternal separation. However, while lower-order cognitive functions may not exhibit significant delays, the development of higher-order thinking skills presents more considerable challenges. Addressing the developmental risks faced by children in prison settings is critical, given their heightened vulnerability to systemic neglect. Therefore, prioritizing optimal child development is essential to ensure these children achieve their milestones.