Breaking Bonds: Effect of the Loss of Parental Rights on Prison Admission in the United States, 2000-2019

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between termination of parental rights (TPR) and prison admission rates in the United States over the period from 2000 to 2019. Grounded in social bond and labeling theories, the study explores how the loss of parental rights influences the likelihood of parents to offend or reoffend and whether such a relationship differs between men and women. Using state-level administrative data, fixed-effects regression models are employed to analyze the impact of TPR rates on prison admissions, while accounting for time-varying socioeconomic factors (poverty rate, unemployment, and TANF maximum benefit). Findings indicate a positive causal effect association between TPR and incarceration, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support parents both in and out of prison. Additionally this study adds context to the ongoing literature on incarcerations effects on social bond and labeling theories on parenting