Ann M. Nurse, Fatherhood Arrested: Parenting from Within the Juvenile Justice System - Book Review

Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Sept, 2003

Nashville, TN: Van der Bilt University Press, 2002. $39.95 hardcover, $19.95 papercover.

The increased use of custodial sentencing in the United States over the last decade has resulted in a huge prison population. While many politicians and members of the public believe that the routine use of incarceration is an effective way of reducing crime, many criminologists conclude that it has, in fact, had a limited deterrent impact. Despite the exponential increase in the prison population, violence, drug dealing and properly crime remain problems of huge proportions. Drawing on a a substantive body of research into the effectiveness of prisons, they also point out that custodial sentences, particularly for drug related offences, is counterproductive. Recidivism remains a major problem and in many cases, the prospects of rehabilitating those who are incarcerated are small. Another problem is the negative impact of incarceration on low income communities, and especially on low income communities of color, where the proportion of young men in prison has reached sizable proportions. Their absence has a deleterious impact on family life in these communities, exacerbating poverty, insecurity and dependency,

In this important study, Anne Nurse addresses the issue by focusing on young fathers who have been incarcerated. To obtain more information about their experiences, attitudes and commitment to their children, she tracked a group of young fathers who had been given custodial sentences by the California courts, and who were detained in facilities operated by the California Youth Authority. Of these, she was able to interview 258. In addition, 20 were randomly selected for an in-depth interview. In addition to interviewing candidates herself, Nurse made use of professional translators and interviewers who could communicate with minority respondents. Not surprisingly, they were over-represented in the sample. The purpose of the study was to obtain detailed information about the lives and experiences of these young men with particular reference to their roles as fathers. The interviews sought to determine whether the young men wished to maintain contact with their children, how they felt about fatherhood, and to what extent their efforts to maintain relationships with their children were successful.

The book contains a wealth of important information on these topics. Nurse found that contrary to what many assume, the young incarcerated fathers were anxious to maintain relationships with their children and most made sustained efforts to do so. On the other hand, relationships with their partners tended to dissipate creating barriers to long term contacts. On release from detention, many sought to stay in touch with their children and many were committed to providing income and emotional support. However, as Nurse reveals, there were variations in the extent to which they were successful in achieving this goal.

Drawing on her survey and in-depth interviews, Nurse also addresses a number of policy issues relating to 'arrested' fatherhood. With the current national policy emphasis on strengthening families, she urges that more effective steps be taken to assist young incarcerated fathers nurture relationships with their children. She points out that prison visitation rules impede the development of these relationships and she urges the authorities to adopt policies that will enhance contact. Since many children of incarcerated fathers are involved with the statutory child welfare system, she proposes the child welfare and correctional personnel cooperative more closely on these cases. She also urges that improved parenting and educational opportunities be provided for fathers and that support networks be developed. Many other issues of policy relevance are discussed in this engaging and well written book which deserves to be widely consulted and commended for addressing an important but neglected topic.