In this situation, conducting appropriate research would have served to bring
parents on board at an
early stage in the proceedings, allowing them to engage in and influence the process — concerns could have been addressed
early on, and
compromises reached.
While
early parenthood can pose many challenges for anyone, it is particularly problematic for
early and chronic female offenders, who face increased risks of pregnancy complications, socioeconomic disadvantage, relationship violence, and
compromised parenting skills.41 Several studies have linked a history of maternal conduct disorder with unresponsive
parenting.42 Particularly troubling are data suggesting that mothers with a history of aggression or conduct disorder, or both, pass on at least three risk factors to their offspring: antisocial biological fathers (because of assortative mating), prenatal exposure to nicotine, and coercive (hostile)
parenting style.43 The most common trajectories followed by female offenders tend to increase the odds that their children will follow in their footsteps.