The ones left behind: the experiences of young mothers with partners in prison

Research into the families of male prisoners has largely focused on the experience of older prisoners' wives and prisoners' children. This small-scale two-stage study collected quantitative data from 26 women (aged 18 to 24) and carried out narrative interviews focused on the lives and experiences of 10 young women and their children. These interviews are reported upon within this paper. The study also explored perceived support needs the young women had and how these were being met by the Prison Advice and Care Trust, other statutory and voluntary agencies and social and family networks. The main findings related to the social support networks the young mothers had, contact with health and social care professionals, prison visits and family life. The women's accounts of their lives revealed a level of resilience whereby, in the presence of familial protective factors, they adapted to difficult relationships and situations in their lives. This study provides a new perspective into the experiences of a group of women who may have contact with health and social care professionals, and midwives and health visitors in particular. It recommends that there needs to be increased awareness regarding the whereabouts of partners.