War On The Family

The book "War on the Family" by Renny Golden sheds light on the issue of women in prison and the impact it has on their children. Golden discusses the rapid growth of the prison population, which is largely due to Reagan's War on Drugs. She presents a new perspective on how to address the situation of incarcerated mothers and their children, as well as the consequences of current judicial policies. Through sharing the stories of incarcerated mothers and their children, Golden brings attention to a often overlooked group. She also examines the long-term effects of parental incarceration on children, a topic that has not been extensively studied. Overall, the book offers insight into the struggles faced by incarcerated mothers and their families.

In this timely book, renowned criminologist and activist Renny Golden sheds light on the women behind bars and the 350,000 children they leave behind. In exposing the fastest growing prison population-a direct result of Reagan's War on Drugs-Golden sets up new framework for thinking about how to address the situation of mothers in prison, the risks and needs of their children and the implications of current judicial policies. Review: In her book War on the Family Mothers in Prison and the Families They Leave Behind, Renny Golden brings to life the pains of imprisonment that incarcerated mothers and their children experience...By sharing the stories of incarcerated mothers and their children in two geographical regions, Golden offers an insightful picture of this typically forgotten group...the author examines the long-term impact of incarceration on the children of incarcerated parents, which few studies have done. -- Jennifer Cobbina, Criminal Justice Review, March 2008