Suppression

This study found that participants 2 and 6, similar to many children of incarcerated
parents, struggled to express their true emotions and the difficulties they were facing. This
reluctance to openly communicate aligns with the documented fear of social stigma faced by this
population. Research by Dr. Rosemary Martoma (2020) sheds light on this phenomenon. Her
work suggests that children of incarcerated parents may choose to keep their stress hidden for
fear that the stigma associated with their parent's situation will make things worse for them. This
fear of judgment can lead to a suppression of emotions, making it difficult for them to openly
express their struggles and seek the support they need. Essentially, the participants' silence
reflects a broader pattern of children feeling isolated and afraid to speak up due to the potential
for social rejection.

Rosemary Martoma, MD, FAAP. (2020, July). HealthyChildren.org; American Academy

Pediatrics. Retrieved June 1, 2024, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-
living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Tips-to-Support-Children-When-a-Parent-
is-in-Prison.aspx

Diversion

Many of the participants used similar strategies to cope with the stress of their parent's
incarceration. This approach, called diversion, involves finding ways to take their minds off the
difficult situation. Their actions, like focusing on hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or
taking on new responsibilities, mirror what research by Thulstrup & Karlsson (2017) describes.
They found that children sometimes use distractions, like doing activities they enjoy or avoiding
things that make them feel bad, to manage stress. While this can be helpful in the short term, it's
not a perfect solution. These distractions might offer temporary relief from negative emotions
and help them get through the day, but they don't address the underlying issues caused by their
parent's situation.

Emotional Support from Support Network

Having a strong emotional support system is crucial for children coping with the
incarceration of a parent. Such a system provides guidance to help them stay on track and
manage their emotions effectively. Research by Campos-Holland (2016) supports this,
emphasizing the importance of maintaining close family ties and creating a safe, nurturing
environment. This aligns with broader research indicating that support from the incarcerated
parent or other caring adults can mitigate the negative effects of incarceration on children. Strong
relationships with extended family, caregivers, and siblings offer essential stability and a sense
of belonging, acting as a buffer during these challenging times. Essentially, a supportive network
helps children feel loved and understood, making it easier for them to navigate the emotional and
social difficulties associated with having an incarcerated parent.
 Additionally, research by Murray et al. (2016) suggests that this support network can
extend beyond family to include mentors and friends. These positive relationships can serve as
protective factors, shielding children from developing symptoms of anxiety, sadness, and even
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, fostering strong connections with a variety of
caring individuals is vital for the well-being of children facing parental incarceration.

Financial Support from Support Network

Children with incarcerated parents face many challenges, such as emotional distress,
social stigma, and a significant drop in household income. This financial strain can worsen their
problems, creating ongoing worry and instability. However, strong social support networks can
help reduce these negative effects. Studies show that financial help from family and friends
allows caregivers to meet the child's basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. This reduces
anxiety and lets caregivers focus on the child's emotional well-being. A 2016 study by the Annie
E. Casey Foundation found that children with incarcerated parents who received financial
support from relatives were less likely to have behavioral problems and academic difficulties.
The financial stability provided by social networks creates a sense of security and normalcy,
which is crucial for a child's healthy development during such a disruptive time.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2016). Family Matters for Children of Incarcerated Parents.
https://assets.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-asharedsentence-2016.pdf

Spiritual Coping

Children with incarcerated parents often face unique challenges, such as feelings of
shame, isolation, and uncertainty. Many seek comfort and support from faith-based communities
during these difficult times. Religious beliefs and practices can give them a sense of meaning and
purpose, helping them understand their situation and maintain hope for the future. A 2018 study
published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence found that adolescents with incarcerated
parents who had strong religious beliefs showed higher resilience and lower levels of depression.
This study suggests that faith can help young people cope with the emotional challenges of
having an incarcerated parent. While faith is a personal choice, it can be a valuable tool for
children dealing with the adversity of parental incarceration. Religious communities can provide
a sense of belonging, hope, and practical support, all of which are essential for navigating this
difficult experience.

Gilligan, D., Jr., & Taylor, R. J. (2018). The Relationship Between Religious Beliefs/Practices
and Mental Health Outcomes Among Adolescents with Incarcerated Parents. Journal of Research
on Adolescence, 28(2), 321-334. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156869318763248
Self- Confidence

In the absence of a secure home environment, many children develop a strong sense of
self-reliance and inner strength, known as self-efficacy—the belief in their ability to succeed in
specific situations. This self-efficacy can be a powerful tool for handling adversity. One strategy
these children may use is fostering positive social connections. Aware of their emotional
burdens, they might choose to be more friendly and outgoing. This positivity can help them both
create a sense of normalcy and control, and access social support networks. By connecting with
others, they can build friendships and alleviate feelings of isolation. A study by Tangeman and
Hall (2011) found that children with high self-efficacy were more likely to form strong social
connections, which helped buffer the negative effects of parental incarceration. Essentially, their
belief in their abilities empowered them to take initiative, form positive relationships, and find
support during tough times. Thus, self-efficacy is a vital asset for children with incarcerated
parents, helping them navigate challenges and build supportive social networks.

Tangeman, K. R., & Hall, S. R. (2011). Self-Efficacy in Incarcerated Adolescents: The Role of
Family and Social Supports. Child & Youth Services, 32(1), 39–55.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2011.553580

Family Bonding

Strong family bonds can be a crucial buffer against the negative effects of parental
absence. These bonds provide a sense of love, belonging, and continuity, fostering resilience and
promoting healthy development. A study by Gilligan and Taylor (2018) found that supportive
family relationships act as a protective factor, mitigating the negative impact of parental
incarceration. Feeling loved, understood, and supported by their family helps children cope more
effectively with the challenges they face. In conclusion, family bonding is a vital coping
mechanism for children with incarcerated parents. By fostering a sense of connection, open
communication, and emotional support, strong family relationships can help children navigate
this difficult experience and emerge stronger.

Gilligan, D., Jr., & Taylor, R. J. (2018). The Relationship Between Religious Beliefs/Practices
and Mental Health Outcomes Among Adolescents with Incarcerated Parents. Journal of Research
on Adolescence, 28(2), 321-334. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156869318763248

Resilience

Individuals dealing with parental incarceration often rely on resilience to cope with their
circumstances. This resilience can take the form of emotional acceptance, active engagement,
and perseverance. Emotional acceptance helps individuals acknowledge difficulties without
being overwhelmed, maintaining stability and confidence. Active engagement involves staying
busy and finding purpose in activities, which provides control and helps cope with stress.
Perseverance focuses on moving forward and maintaining hope despite challenges, which is
essential for long-term well-being. These coping strategies highlight the importance of resilience
in maintaining stability and psychological health.

Resilience helps individuals navigate their complex situations, fostering hope and well-
being. Supportive environments, such as strong family bonds, community support, and mental
health resources, are crucial in reinforcing resilient behaviors. Promoting resilience can better
support those affected by parental incarceration, helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives
despite their challenges. The study by Johnson and Easterling (2015) supports this perspective,
showing that certain children exhibit incredible resilience, turning their experiences into
opportunities for growth and purpose. These children reframe their circumstances, focus on their
strengths, and find fulfillment in helping others. Promoting resilience involves cultivating a
growth mindset and providing opportunities for constructive improvement, which can help
individuals view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

Avoidance

Nesmith & Ruhland's research, mentioned in Johnson & Easterling's study (2014),
highlights how kids and adolescents dealing with a parent's imprisonment often use strategies to
avoid or distract themselves from thinking about it. This fits how children of incarcerated parents
often try to avoid talking about it, mainly keeping discussions within their family. They do this to
protect themselves from feeling judged by others. Additionally, these children are good at
ignoring or not paying attention to conversations about their family situation. This shows that
children of incarcerated parents often use avoiding and ignoring as ways to cope, helping them
feel emotionally stable.

Johnson, E. I., & Easterling, B. A. (2014). Coping With Confinement. Journal of Adolescent
Research, 30(2), 244–267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558414558593

Adjustments
Recommendations

Develop programs targeting emotional resilience and coping skills of children with
incarcerated parent

Children with incarcerated parents in the Philippines often face significant emotional and
psychological challenges. One child shared that he received no help from the government,
especially the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), during those tough
times. He stressed that support for children with incarcerated parents should focus on their
mental health, as this is where they are most affected. Developing programs that specifically
target emotional resilience and coping skills can significantly alleviate the mental health
struggles these children face.

Another child expressed that children with incarcerated parents need emotional support to
help prevent self-isolation and reduce their emotional burden. Community-based support groups,
counseling services, and structured visitation programs can provide the necessary emotional
support. Community-based support groups can offer a safe space for these children to share their
experiences and receive peer support, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional stability.
Regular, positive interactions with their incarcerated parents through structured visitation
programs can also support their emotional well-being. By focusing on these areas, the
government can significantly improve the emotional resilience and coping skills of children with
incarcerated parents, helping them to lead healthier and more stable lives.

Financial and food assistance for families of incarcerated parents is vital

Children with incarcerated parents stress the vital importance of financial and food
assistance to support their families during difficult times. With the main provider in jail, these
children face significant challenges in meeting basic needs, which places a heavy burden on both
them and their families. Lack of financial support exacerbates their struggles, pushing many
families deeper into poverty and increasing emotional and psychological stress.

Providing financial assistance is crucial, especially when parents are absent due to
incarceration. Such aid helps cover basic needs and relieves the overall family burden.
Additionally, efforts to support families in finding ways to bail out incarcerated parents, where
feasible, can significantly improve the children's well-being by stabilizing their home
environment. Overall, comprehensive assistance programs tailored for families of incarcerated
parents are essential for meeting children's needs and alleviating the challenges they face.

Provide job and livelihood opportunities for families of incarcerated parents

The suggestion to provide job and livelihood opportunities for families of incarcerated
parents, as voiced by the children themselves, highlights the comprehensive approach required to
effectively support these families. Offering employment opportunities can furnish additional
income and assistance to families grappling with the difficulties of parental incarceration,
thereby alleviating some of the economic burdens they face. By empowering caregivers with job
prospects, families can attain greater financial stability, lessening the strain on their resources.

Moreover, job and livelihood opportunities not only bolster the family's financial well-
being but also cultivate a sense of dignity and self-sufficiency. Employment offers caregivers a
sense of purpose and achievement, positively impacting their mental and emotional welfare.
Furthermore, stable employment can mitigate household stress, fostering a more supportive
environment for the children. Providing such opportunities aligns with broader goals of
rehabilitation and reintegration, facilitating the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated
individuals into society and advancing overall community development. This proactive
approach, emphasizing economic empowerment and community reintegration, is pivotal in
creating a supportive and resilient environment for children with incarcerated parents, ultimately
enhancing their well-being and prospects for the future.

Ensuring effective implementation of policies and services tailored to the needs of children

with incarcerated parents

The recommendation made by children with incarcerated parents to ensure the effective
implementation of policies and services tailored to their needs underscores the critical
importance of thoughtful planning and execution in addressing their challenges. Policymakers
must craft well-designed policies that comprehensively address the unique needs of these
children, taking into account factors such as emotional support, educational assistance, and
financial stability. By carefully considering these aspects, policymakers can develop initiatives
that offer holistic support and promote the well-being of children with incarcerated parents.

Moreover, effective implementation of these policies is crucial to ensure that the intended
support reaches those who need it most. This involves not only putting policies into action but
also ensuring that they are enforced properly and consistently. Leaders must allocate sufficient
resources and establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation to track the impact of these
policies over time. Additionally, there should be a focus on providing accessible and user-
friendly services to facilitate ease of access for families in need.

Overall, the recommendation highlights the necessity of proactive and diligent efforts by
policymakers and leaders to address the needs of children with incarcerated parents
comprehensively. By creating well-designed policies and ensuring their effective
implementation, policymakers can make significant strides in supporting these children and
mitigating the challenges they face. This approach not only acknowledges the importance of
tailored support but also emphasizes the commitment to actively improving the lives of
vulnerable populations within society.

Encouraging leaders to prioritize addressing community issues while also addressing family

concerns.

The suggestions put forth by children with incarcerated parents emphasize the pressing

need for leaders to prioritize addressing community problems, particularly those affecting

individual families. Participants emphasized the importance of leaders demonstrating genuine

concern and active involvement in addressing family issues rather than solely focusing on

maintaining their positions. They underscored the detrimental impact of neglecting family conflicts

and urged leaders to intervene and provide support. This proactive approach entails not only

acknowledging the issues but also taking concrete actions to assist families and resolve conflicts,

ultimately fostering a more supportive and cohesive community environment.

Furthermore, participants stressed the significance of leaders paying attention to children

with incarcerated parents and ensuring they receive the necessary support. They highlighted the

vulnerability of these children, who often face significant struggles in the absence of a parent due

to incarceration. Urgent assistance is crucial to help them cope with their challenging

circumstances and prevent them from being overlooked or neglected. Active involvement and

assistance from leaders are essential to improve the well-being of these children and ensure they

are not left behind or marginalized within their communities.

 The suggestions made by children with incarcerated parents highlight the critical

importance of raising awareness about the needs and challenges faced by these children among

educators and society at large. Participants emphasized the necessity for educators to be aware and

considerate of the difficulties experienced by children with incarcerated parents. By understanding

the challenges associated with having a parent in prison, educators can provide the necessary

support and create a supportive learning environment that promotes the well-being and academic

success of these students.

Furthermore, participants stressed the importance of being mindful of what is said to avoid

triggering trauma in children with incarcerated parents. Ignoring their situations or disregarding

their needs can exacerbate their already challenging circumstances. Given that these children often

lack resources and may feel neglected, it is essential for educators and society to acknowledge their

struggles and provide the necessary support. Raising awareness tto wider community about the

needs and challenges faced by these children reduce stigma and provide better support.

Trauma-sensitive communication is essential to avoid triggering distressing emotions and

experiences in these children. Ignoring or disregarding their situations only exacerbates their sense

of isolation and lack of support. By acknowledging their needs and experiences, educators and the

wider community can create a more compassionate and understanding environment that reduces

stigma and fosters empathy and support for children with incarcerated parents.
 Implications

The effects of parental incarceration on children, in terms of their psychosocial and

economic well-being, are significantly influenced by their relationship with the incarcerated parent

and their experiences after the incarceration. These challenges stem from a combination of internal

factors, such as emotional and psychological responses, and external factors, including social

stigma and financial instability. The coping mechanisms that these children employ vary,

encompassing both negative and positive strategies that address the challenges they encounter in

direct and indirect ways. Despite the difficulties, the children often gain valuable insights and

realizations, which can be viewed as positive outcomes of their situation. These experiences can

foster resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of their circumstances. The

recommendations suggested by these children aim to enhance programs and services, ensuring that

future initiatives are better equipped to support the unique needs of children with incarcerated

parents. By addressing these needs comprehensively, these programs can significantly improve the

well-being and prospects of children in similar situations.

Summary

The purpose of this was to explore the lived experiences of the children with incarcerated

parents in Midsayap, Cotabato. A qualitative phenomenological approached is used in in-depth

discussion of the participants experiences on having incarcerated parents.

The result of the showed that major themes emerged. First, the effects of parental

incarceration to the children. The effects are clustered into three, which are the Psychological,

Social, and economic effects. Under the Pyschological, the children experienced being

overwhelmed in the responsibilities and the deep emotion they are experiencing; Anger in unjust
situation given to his father; increased confidence because te absence of his father contribute

positively on his sense of security; shame due to social stigma; traumatized in seeing their family

being criticized by others and struggles they face; disbelief/In-denial because they can’t believe on

wha happened; stress due to the challenges they face after the parental incarceration; mental relief

because the absence provided him safety and comfort; loneliness/longing because the long for the

guidance and comfort from their absent parent; helplessness due to feeling lost and unsure about

where to turn for help; mood/behavioral shift as a result of their frustrations on the situation they

are in. On the other hand under the social effects are Social Stigma, they often experience bullying

and victim of grapevine; school absenteeism due to bullying and financial incapacity; Social

Withdrawal due to the social judgements they encounter ; Voluntary Support, they received

support from their families, neighbors and friends; Change Family Dynamics due to the absence

of their father they assumed the father figure of the family; Labeled, other people often associate

them with their father wrongdoings. And lastly in under the economic is the scarcity of Financial

and basic needs due to the loss of their primary and secondary provider.

Second, the coping mechanism employed by the children with incarcerated parents which

are the spiritual coping, children rely on their faith and religious practices in order to cope with

their situation; financial support from support networks, children receive help from their extended

families, friends and neighbors in order to lessen their economic burden; emotional support from

support networks so that the children will able to handle their deep emotion that linger; resilience

is employed in order to face the trials that they go through and able to move forward;

accustomed/acceptance, children have learned to adapt and accept the situation go with the flow

with life; self-confidence employed as a coping mechanism depending on their strong sense of

self-reliance and inner strength; family bonding children often spend time with their families to
create strong family bond; diversion as a coping mechanism, taking their minds off the difficult

situation in order to cope with their situation; suppression, children choose to keep their stress

hidden for fear that the stigma associated with their parent's situation; and avoidance, children are

ignoring or not paying attention to conversations about their family situation.

Third, their experiences led children recognized their inner strength and develop

heightened self-awareness amidst challenges, family provides crucial inspiration and motivation

during difficult times, setting priorities helps children manage responsibilities, children learn and

practice self control and having incarcerated parents is emotionally distressing.

Fourth, the children recommended that the government should develop programs targeting

emotional resilience and coping skills of children with incarcerated parent, financial and food

assistance for families of incarcerated parents is vital, provide job and livelihood opportunities for

families of incarcerated parentensuring effective implementation of policies and services tailored

to the needs of children with incarcerated parents, encouraging leaders to prioritize addressing

community issues while also addressing family concerns, and raising awareness about the needs

and challenges faced by the children with incarcerated parents.

Insights

Based on the results of the study, the researchers discovered that the experiences of

children with incarcerated parents provide several key insights and realizations that can inform

how society, particularly policymakers and support organizations, addresses their unique

challenges. Firstly, these children face a complex array of challenges that require comprehensive

support systems. Emotional resilience programs and mental health services are crucial to help them

cope with the psychological impact of their parent's incarceration. Additionally, financial and food
assistance are essential to alleviate the economic strain on families, ensuring that children's basic

needs are met and reducing the stress associated with financial instability.

Providing job and livelihood opportunities for the caregivers of these children is vital.

Stable employment for caregivers can lead to a more secure and supportive home environment,

mitigating some of the economic hardships these families face. Economic stability not only

addresses immediate financial concerns but also contributes to the long-term well-being and

resilience of the entire family. There is also a need for robust and effectively implemented policies

tailored specifically to the needs of children with incarcerated parents. This includes ensuring that

support services are accessible and adequately resourced. Policymakers must focus on both the

design and execution of these policies, with mechanisms in place to monitor their impact and make

necessary adjustments to improve their effectiveness.

Addressing community issues and family concerns requires a balanced and integrated

approach. Leaders need to demonstrate genuine concern and take active steps to support these

families, rather than merely focusing on broader community issues. Engaging with families on a

personal level and intervening in family conflicts can help create a more supportive community

environment that addresses the specific needs of these children. Public awareness campaigns are

also crucial to reduce the stigma faced by children with incarcerated parents. Educating the public,

educators, and community members about the unique challenges these children face can foster a

more empathetic and supportive environment. Sensitivity training for those who interact with these

children, such as teachers and social workers, can help prevent additional trauma and ensure that

their needs are met with understanding and compassion.

 Despite the significant challenges, many children with incarcerated parents develop

resilience and valuable life skills. Their experiences can lead to insights and personal growth,

highlighting their strength and adaptability. Recognizing and nurturing this resilience through

targeted support programs can help these children transform their challenging experiences into

positive outcomes, contributing to their long-term success and well-being. In summary, the insights

and realizations from the experiences of children with incarcerated parents emphasize the need for

a comprehensive, empathetic, and well-coordinated approach to support. Addressing their

emotional, economic, and social needs through targeted programs and policies can significantly

enhance their well-being and life prospects.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, the researcher drawn a following conclusions: most of the

participants experience deep feeling of