Trent Durham Social Work Prof. Reveals Experiences of ‘Invisible’ Children of Incarcerated Parents
Dr. Else Marie Knudsen’s research brings hidden plight to forefront to change young lives for the better
For most children of incarcerated parents in Canada, their difficult experiences go unnoticed, undocumented and unsupported. Dr. Else Marie Knudsen, assistant professor of Social Work at Trent University Durham GTA, has set out to change that. Her research brings into focus the tumultuous emotions of and lack of policy attention to Canadian children growing up in a world with a parent on the “inside.”
“My findings echo those from studies in other countries, such as the tendency of children of prisoners to experience a lot of grief and confusion, and to keep their parent’s incarceration a secret,” states Professor Knudson. “I found a profound lack of attention to or knowledge about these kids at every level. This research contributes to the growing literature on the collateral consequences of our prison system. I hope my project can set the stage for further discussion, examination and policy changes to improve the lives and outcomes of kids who have a parent in prison.”
Prior to coming to Trent University Durham GTA, Prof. Knudsen conducted this research for her recent doctoral thesis at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her study involved interviews with children and youth aged 7-17 who had a parent currently in prison, their caregivers, and a variety of experts and service providers. Prior to starting her Ph.D., Prof. Knudsen was a policy analyst at the John Howard Society of Ontario, a charitable organization where she worked on policy topics that affect prisoners, and before that, a social worker at CAS Toronto.
“I find that my students love to hear about my research and past work,” reveals Prof. Knudsen. “Telling stories about real families and their experiences can make topics really come alive.”
Following additional funding for research on this topic, Prof. Knudsen is looking forward to sharing further findings and involving Trent students as project assistants.
“Bringing our research into classes can demystify academic research for students and exposes them to the realities of research processes.”
Learn more about Social Work at Trent University Durham GTA. Applications are still being accepted for fall 2018 start.