This article examines 158 inmate mothers released from a maximum security prison
to determine the influence of minor children's visitation on their mothers'
disciplinary adjustment in prison. Logistic regression analysis was used to
predict the mothers' involvement in disciplinary behaviour. Although up to 80%
of female inmates have minor children, the findings indicate that the majority
of the mothers do not receive visits from them. The inmates who do receive
visits from their minor children are more likely to engage in both serious and
violent infractions while in prison. It appears that mothers who receive visits
from their children have more difficulty adjusting to institutionalisation,
perhaps because of the emotional factors surrounding visitation and separation
from children. However, it is possible that the visitation with their children
while imprisoned may help prepare mothers for life upon parole and reunification
with their families and children.
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