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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2008.02.006 Byline: Ande Nesmith (a), Ebony Ruhland (b) Keywords: Children of incarcerated parents; Parents in prison Abstract: This study explores the impact of parental incarceration on children, from the children's own perspectives. The sample includes thirty-four children interviewed regarding how having a parent in prison affected their family and peer relationships, school experiences, their reactions to prison visits, and perceptions of prison. The interviews explored both their challenges and their strengths. The children revealed a variety stresses around social isolation and worrying about their caregivers, but also demonstrated resilience in locating venues for support and self-sufficiency. Recommendations for policy, service, and community actions and interventions are presented. Author Affiliation: (a) Chapin Hall Center for Children, University of Chicago, United States (b) Minnesota Council on Crime and Justice, United States Article History: Received 13 January 2008; Revised 16 February 2008; Accepted 23 February 2008 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Special thanks to Sarah Krueger for her commitment and efforts in this project.

The well-being of youths who age out of the out-of-home care system in the U.S. has long been of great interest to child welfare practitioners and policymakers. In spite of this interest, however, very little is known about how these youths fare when they must make the transition to independence. The Foster Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study is tracking the experiences of 141 young adults who left care in Wisconsin in 1995 and 1996. This article describes these youths and their experiences in the first 12 to 18 months after leaving care. The findings suggest that the transition to independence is a difficult time for youth leaving the out-of-home care system.