“Just keep on going”: An exploration of the childhood experiences of young men whose parents were imprisoned in Singapore and the perspective of professionals involved in care and support

Abstract

This study explores into the childhood experiences of young men whose parents were imprisoned in Singapore, and the perspectives of professionals involved in the care of these young people. Using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) research method the research delved into the lived experiences of three young people and five professionals, using semi-structured interviews to understand their retrospective worldview. The findings showed shared negative impacts which permeates various facets of a young person’s life across the young participants. The professionals shared the same perceptive as the young people of parental imprisonment. Professionals highlighted systemic issues, emphasizing the lack of synergy between systems, while unanimous consent existed among young participants and professionals regarding the insufficiency of financial support for families with imprisoned members. Although this research aligns with existing literature at a broader level, it introduces nuanced experiences influenced by culture and ethnicity, often overlooked in Western-centric literature. The research also identifies the importance of prioritizing the voices of young people in shaping effective practices, especially within the Southeast Asian context. The research recommends the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee the well-being and support of children with imprisoned parents, coordinating assistance from the point of parental arrest. It’s also recommends training for caregivers, focusing on parenting skills, enhancing connections with children, and offering guidance on communication. Emphasizing schools as vital social support for children of imprisoned parents, the study suggests enhanced training for professionals to guide the young people. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of soliciting input directly from young people themselves to identify their needs and support needed while under the care of guardians.