Presenter(s)

• Elizabeth Shaver

Abstract

Parental incarceration affects millions of children and youth in the United States. Youth who have experienced parental incarceration are more likely to experience worse behavioral, academic, and health outcomes in comparison to their peers. However, less is known about factors that reduce the risk of poor outcomes for youth with a history of parental incarceration. This study used multivariable logistic regression analyses within a statewide sample of 119,029 students to examine school-based outcomes among youth with histories of parental incarceration as well as the potential protective effect of school connectedness for these outcomes. Results indicated that parental incarceration was associated with lower levels of academic achievement and more instances of disciplinary action. School connectedness moderated these associations; for students with an incarcerated parent, higher levels of connectedness to one’s school increased the likelihood for academic achievement and reduced the risk for instances of disciplinary action. This study adds to the growing body of literature on students with incarcerated parents to include an examination of the potential protective factors that operate in these youths’ lives. Results have important implications for school psychologists, including attending to and bolstering strategies and programs that increase school connectedness.