In this episode, Barbara Frey speaks with Doctor Elena Azaola, an anthropologist and psychoanalyst who specializes in Mexico’s politics of security. Her research focuses on youth impacted by Mexico’s criminal legal system, children and adolescents affected by widespread violence, and women deprived of liberty. Through these lenses, Dr. Azaola explains the considerations that should be taken into account when advocating for the best interests of children accompanying a parent into the prison system. She discusses the issues faced by Mexico’s prisons—such as overcrowding, lack of resources, and ineffective separation of incarcerated men and women—and weighs these conditions against the act of separating a young child from an incarcerated parent. By evaluating these circumstances while respecting the familial bonds between parent and child, Dr. Azaola sheds valuable light on parental incarceration in Mexico.
Children of Incarcerated Caregiver (“CIC”) is a nonprofit organization whose central mission is to research, identify, and implement solutions to enhance the lives of children affected by a parent’s incarceration. We strive to provide the latest and most accurate information regarding children affected by a parent’s incarceration. However, the podcasts posted on this website contain information that was presented as of the date each podcast was recorded. The information contained in any posted podcast may become outdated based on developments after recording. Some information contained in the podcasts is provided by third parties (such as interviewees), and CIC cannot and does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. CIC disclaims any liability related to the content of the podcasts posted to this website, other content presented on this website, and any CIC social media account.