The Socio-Economic and Psycho-Social Experiences of Children of the Incarcerated Parents in Lesotho
Josphine Hapazari ․ Thope A. Matobo

Abstract

It is irrefutable that the incarceration of parents disrupts the normal upbringing of
children and existing relationships between children and their parents. Apart from that, most
caregivers struggle to meet the various needs of children due to the added burden on their
shoulders. This study sought to examine children’s experiences by their gender, looking at how
the incarceration of parents affected the children socially, economically and psychologically.
The study was conducted in the Maseru District of Lesotho. Research relied primarily on data
gathered from interviews with 49 children of incarcerated parents and 13 caregivers. Data were
analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study unearthed that
the problems confronting children were centred around shortage of finance which led to 83.7%
of the children having inadequate clothes, 83.7% lacking uniforms and 40.8% of them being
unable to access health facilities when sick, among others. The majority, 81.63%, were angry at
their incarcerated parents. The main recommendation was that safety nets need to be improved
to cushion the children of the incarcerated parents as well as their caregivers.
Keywords: children․incarceration․incarcerated parents․caregivers

3.Josphine Hapazari Thope A. Matobo