Understanding the Conspiracy of Silence: Factors Associated With Whether Caregivers Choose to Disclose Incarceration Information to Children With Imprisoned Fathers

Although the negative impacts of parental incarceration on families are generally well established, less attention has been paid to the dilemma of how caregivers communicate with their children regarding parental incarceration. This study provides an understanding of the factors associated with caregivers’ choice to disclose or conceal the incarceration of a father. The results suggested that religious or married caregivers were less likely to inform their children, with the young age of children also being a determinant in information remaining concealed. The conviction types of the incarcerated father and his relationships with caregivers and children did not play any role in disclosure likelihood.