Each year, thousands of Dutch children experience their father's incarceration, often accompanied by emotional strain, stigma, and disrupted contact. Although research shows that maintaining the father–child relationship (FCR) can protect both parent and child, targeted interventions are still lacking in the Dutch context. To address this gap, a holistic framework based on Bronfenbrenner’s PPCT model was developed to examine how paternal incarceration affects the FCR quality. A longitudinal mixed-methods design was employed, including a scoping review, a unique secondary analysis using data from the Dutch Custodial Services and the Central Bureau of Statistics, face-to-face questionnaires at two time points (n=164) and interviews with incarcerated fathers in five prisons (n=69), and online questionnaires completed by children (n=33) and their mothers (n=31) at two time points. Quantitative data are currently analyzed using multivariate regression techniques. Qualitative data are thematically analyzed in ATLAS.ti, guided by sensitizing concepts derived from the theoretical framework. Preliminary findings indicate that at least six predictors – stigma, relational context, paternal awareness, fear of the child’s future, co-parenting dynamics, and expected post-release reunification – significantly influence perceived relationship quality. Further analysis may reveal additional influencing factors presented for the first time at this conference. This research contributes to the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at strengthening father-child relationships during and after paternal incarceration. The findings are relevant to scholars and practitioners in criminology, social work, and family studies. They align closely with ACSS themes on social welfare, identity, and public policy.

Authors:
Anna Cornelia Johanna Verhagen-Braspennincx, Open University, Netherlands

About the Presenter(s)
Msc. Angela Verhagen-Braspennincx is currently a lecturer at Avans University of Applied Sciences and a PhD-candidate at the Open University, The Netherlands.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaverhagenbraspennincx/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Angela-Verhagen-Braspennincx

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