The effects of maternal incarceration on infant and toddler health and development
Official title: Prenatal exposure to maternal incarceration and infant and toddler health and development
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11065295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how having a mom in jail can impact the health and growth of babies and toddlers, focusing on their experiences and the challenges they face, so we can better understand how to support these children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,108 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD117535-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and toddlers who were born to mothers who experienced incarceration during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by maternal incarceration or who do not have a history of maternal incarceration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how maternal incarceration affects the health and development of infants and toddlers. It focuses on the experiences of children born to incarcerated mothers, exploring factors such as maternal substance abuse, mental health, and the quality of caregiving environments. By analyzing data from the Birth Beyond Bars Study, the research aims to understand the long-term impacts of these early experiences on child development. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights to provide a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by these children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and support systems for children affected by maternal incarceration.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on prenatal exposure to maternal incarceration, emerging studies suggest that similar approaches have highlighted significant developmental challenges in affected populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotlar, Bethany Clarissa — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Kotlar, Bethany Clarissa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.