Health Professional’s Perspective on the Health and Wellbeing of Children with a Parent or Caregiver in Prison. A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

Health professionals working with children, particularly those working in the community, will recognise that a significant number of children have a parent or caregiver in prison. This group of children are likely to face different challenges than other children their age, having the potential to impact their overall health and wellbeing. Health professionals have an opportunity to positively impact the lives of these children and their families; therefore, it is important that our research around this topic is up to date and relevant. This research study explores the accounts of six healthcare professionals who work with these children in their everyday practice. The data collected aims to add to our knowledge and understanding of the literature about these children’s health and wellbeing, working towards improving outcomes. This study is based on a qualitative descriptive analysis of six semi-structured interviews with health professionals who work with children that have had a parent or caregiver in prison. The study identifies two overarching themes of “The child as a whole” and “It takes a village” that participants demonstrated were significant to the overall wellbeing of a child that has a parent or caregiver in prison, concluding with recommendations for clinical application.