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Our Research

Welcome to our Research page. Here, members of our Research Team carefully curate articles, studies, and reports that explore the challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents and the broader issues within the criminal justice system. Each piece reflects thoughtful analysis and evidence-based insights that help guide the work of the UnLocked Project, from advocacy to community programs.

Our goal is to make research accessible and meaningful, showing how data and studies inform real-world solutions. Whether you are a student, supporter, or community member, these articles provide context, perspective, and understanding of the issues that impact the lives of children and families affected by incarceration. We hope that by sharing this knowledge, we can foster informed discussion and inspire action to better support children of incarcerated parents.

Research Articles

Second Chances, Lifelong Consequences: A Conversation on Extreme Sentencing and the People It Leaves Behind

Second Chances, Lifelong Consequences: A Conversation on Extreme Sentencing and the People It Leaves Behind What does it...

ICE’s New Policies and What They Mean for Children

ICE’s New Policies and What They Mean for Children Author: Hannah February 25, 2026 Introduction Violent arrests and...

Breaking Barriers: Join the Policy & Familial Incarceration Panel at UMD

Breaking Barriers: Join the Policy & Familial Incarceration Panel at UMD On April 16th, 2026, students, advocates...

U.S. & Immigration: Definitions, Current Events, and Importance

U.S. & Immigration: Definitions, Current Events, and Importance Author: Maria November 22, 2025 Over the past few...

When Hunger Meets Incarceration: How Parental Incarceration Fuels Food Insecurity

When Hunger Meets Incarceration: How Parental Incarceration Fuels Food Insecurity Author: Ava Meisner October 2, 2025...

Parental Incarceration and Education

BLOG — March 6, 2025 Author: Nadja Miljkovic   While incarceration rates have dramatically increased since the 1970s, it...

Parental Incarceration and Mental Health

BLOG — Feb. 13, 2025 Author: Nadja Miljkovic Children of currently or formerly incarcerated parents go through much more...

Why Parental Incarceration Matters

Why Parental Incarceration Matters BLOG — Nov 4, 2024 Author: Nadja Miljkovic Risk Factors of Parental Incarceration...
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