Children of parents sentenced to death or executed: How are they affected? How can they be supported?

By Child Rights Connect , on 8 September 2020

From the point of arrest decades after the execution or release of a parent accused of a capital crime, the children’s mental health and wellbeing, living situation, and relationships with others can all be affected, usually in a devastating manner. The inherent trauma of knowing that a loved one is going to be executed can be exacerbated by public indifference or hostility, and by authorities who either fail to recognise or deliberately refuse to consider the situation of these children. This publication addresses the challenges to support the children.

• Document type Arguments against the death penalty
• Themes list Juveniles, International law, Murder Victims' Families,