Psycho-Social Consequences in Children Whose Mothers are Serving Prison Sentences

The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the psychosocial consequences suffered by children of mothers serving prison sentences and based on this study, contribute to forming a women's prison model that dignifies the life of the inmates, considers their maternal condition and its implications for the inmates as well as their children. The study was descriptive and analytical using qualitative methodology and techniques of the semi-structured interview, content analysis and the family test, integrated through triangulation. The interviewees were school-age children (between 7 and 12 years old) whose mothers are incarcerated in the Women's Annex of the Maracaibo National Jail, and the legal guardians who are their custodians. Results indicate that the interviewed children, whose mothers are in prison, tend to develop psychological difficulties such as separation anxiety, stress and depression; in social terms, they have difficulties with self-regulation, social regulation and self-esteem. It is recommended that the State develop programs to offer these children appropriate shelter, protection and psychosocial guidance in overcoming difficulties resulting from deprivation and the dislocation of mother and family.