Unpacking support: A strengths-based investigation into the needs of incarcerated individuals’ loved ones

Abstract

The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world. As a result, a growing body of critical research has sought to understand the impact of the carceral experience, not only on those currently or previously incarcerated, but also on those connected to incarcerated individuals. Much of this research identifies the barriers and difficulties loved ones of incarcerated individuals (LOIs) encounter; however, few of these studies highlight the ways LOIs navigate and overcome such barriers. By using this deficits-framework, LOIs can be mischaracterized as solely powerless or disordered. Also, while many studies importantly identify difficulties in navigating the carceral experience of a loved one, few allow LOIs to speak directly to their needs. Drawing upon deidentified Facebook posts from an online LOI group, the current study takes a strengths-based approach to showcase how LOIs attempt to address their needs and assuage difficulties by engaging in storytelling, advice and information sharing, and advocacy work.