Children’s Expectations, Experiences and Social Support during Parental Re-entry from Prison: A New Zealand Study Jennifer Marie-Christine Swaysland A thesis submitted to the Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Policy Studies School of Social Sciences and Public Policy 2018 Auckland University of Technology Dedication I dedicate this thesis to the children and families who shared with me their lived experiences of parental imprisonment and re-entry. I hope this thesis honourably reflects your experiences. ii | Page Abstract New Zealand incarceration rates continue to increase and thus do the number of children experiencing parental imprisonment. Estimates reveal that at any given time, as many as 23,000 New Zealand children have one or both parents in prison. However, research examining the impact of parental incarceration on children is scarce both in New Zealand and internationally. Children of prisoners are, therefore, the hidden survivors of the prison industrial complex. Using a transformative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews to explore children’s expectations and experiences of parental re-entry from prison in New Zealand and subsequently determine the factors that contribute to a positive re-entry experience for children. Interviewed were seven children (aged 7-16), their non- imprisoned parent (or other primary caregiver) and two community practitioners. The findings reveal that the majority of children want and are excited at the prospect of a post-release relationship with their incarcerated parent, with hopes and expectations of re-establishing the family unit. Yet, nearly all describe the transition as unexpectedly difficult, conveying disappointment due to unmet expectations. During these difficult times, children seek social support, which is often strained and limited due to the parental incarceration. For their social support, children seek out significant others, such as family or friends, or accessible professionals, such as community practitioners, teachers and mentors. The children also get involved in highly social leisure activities, such as team sports and community events. The study concludes that child-centred programmes are required to meet children’s daily needs and experiences throughout parental re-entry both in the community and in prisons. iii | Page Table of Contents Dedication ................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ...................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures ........................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ............................................................................................................ vii Definition of Terms ................................................................................................. viii Attestation of Authorship ......................................................................................... ix Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................... x Chapter One: Introduction ....................................................................................... 1 Overview: An Invisible Population .......................................................................... 1 Topic and Purpose of the Research Study ................................................................ 3 Thesis Structure ........................................................................................................ 5 Chapter Two: Literature Review ............................................................................. 6 Prisoners and their Families in New Zealand: Context and Statistics ...................... 6 The Parent Imprisoned .......................................................................................... 7 The Children of Prisoners ................................................................................... 10 The Caregivers .................................................................................................... 11 Māori Families and Imprisonment ...................................................................... 12 Prisoners Children: Their Experience of Parental Incarceration from Arrest to Release in New Zealand ......................................................................................... 14 Arrest .................................................................................................................. 16 Trial and Sentencing ........................................................................................... 17 Prison .................................................................................................................. 18 Release ................................................................................................................ 21 Chapter Three: Research Design and Methods .................................................... 24 Researcher Self-Location ....................................................................................... 24 Research Paradigm ................................................................................................. 25 Research Methodology ........................................................................................... 27 Research Questions ............................................................................................. 28 Research Method .................................................................................................... 29 Sample size ......................................................................................................... 32 Recruitment, Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria ................................................... 32 Recruitment Procedure ....................................................................................... 33 Interview Procedure ............................................................................................ 35 Data Analysis ...................................................................................................... 36 iv | Page Research Ethics ...................................................................................................... 37 Voluntary Participation and Informed Consent .................................................. 38 Protection ............................................................................................................ 38 Confidentiality .................................................................................................... 39 Limitations of the Study ......................................................................................... 40 Chapter Four: Findings ........................................................................................... 43 Children’s Voice ..................................................................................................... 48 Theme 1: Reconnect in Safety ............................................................................ 48 Theme 2: Normalcy ............................................................................................ 49 Theme 3: Uncertainty ......................................................................................... 51 Theme 4: Excitement and Disappointment ......................................................... 52 Theme 5: Companionship ................................................................................... 56 Caregivers’ Voice ................................................................................................... 63 Theme 1: Reconnect in Safety ............................................................................ 63 Theme 2: Normalcy tempered by Uncertainty ................................................... 65 Theme 3: Excitement and Disappointment ......................................................... 68 Theme 4: Companionship ................................................................................... 71 Community Practitioners’ Voice ............................................................................ 79 Theme 1: Reconnect in Safety ............................................................................ 79 Theme 2: Normalcy ............................................................................................ 80 Theme 3: Uncertainty ......................................................................................... 82 Theme 4: Excitement and Disappointment ......................................................... 84 Theme 5: Companionship ................................................................................... 86 Chapter Five: Discussion ......................................................................................... 91 Addressing Research Question 1 ............................................................................ 91 Reconnect in Safety ............................................................................................ 91 Re-entry Related Hopes and Expectations.......................................................... 99 Addressing Research Question 2 .......................................................................... 103 Feelings of Uncertainty upon Parental Re-entry from Prison ..........................