They worry that their caregiver will also disappear. They have vivid imaginations and they worry that something terrible will happen to their parent in prison. Children may also feel sad and alone. The stigma of incarceration is significant. On the one hand, children will feel ashamed of the imprisoned parent, but on the other hand, they'll feel intense loyalty and want to defend the parent.
Children are at risk . . .
Behaviors and reactions will certainly vary, and we must be careful not to label these children or further stigmatize them.