How Mass Incarceration Literally Makes Children Sick

By Willie Burnley Jr.

There has long been research suggesting that incarceration has negative health consequences for the incarcerated, but a new study from British medical journal The Lancet indicates that incarceration can negatively impact the health of entire families.

Children whose fathers are incarcerated are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, asthma, learning disabilities, and obesity, according to the study. There are also negative economic and health consequences for those forced to manage their household without an incarcerated partner. (Read more)