Emotional collateral: psychological consequences of prison reentry for families of individuals convicted of sexual offenses in the United States

Reentry from prison presents challenges to families of formerly incarcerated people. This is compounded by sexual offense convictions given post-release restrictions and requirements to be listed on publicly accessible registries, both of which can impact their families. Drawing from qualitative interviews with 35 family members of someone convicted of a sexual offense in the United States, analyses found that family members experience a range of emotional reactions and psychological effects associated with reentry. Starting with anticipatory anxiety and segueing to joy following reunion, family members suffer as they adapt to parole restrictions and requirements. They then experience hopefulness as parole ends but this gradually transforms into hopelessness and despair as they realize the lifelong effects of a sexual offense conviction. Potential remedies are discussed, including trauma-informed care and peer support groups. Given the pivotal role that families play in desistance during reentry, it is imperative to address the impacts of reentry on family members.