FAmily Oriented Mindfulness Informed Legal Education (FAMiLE) Programme for Parent or Carers Affected by Incarceration and Improving Parenting in Nigeria

FAmily Oriented Mindfulness Informed Legal Education (FAMiLE) Programme for Parent or Carers Affected by Incarceration and Improving Parenting in Nigeria: a Randomised Control Trial

Incarceration is a prevalent problem globally and in Nigeria. Its effect significantly impacts left behind parent or primary care givers and also the wellbeing of the families and children. Limited access to support has posed a constraint in effectively addressing the issues suffered by affected families in Nigeria. In addition, having a family member incarcerated could affect parenting due to factors such as anxiety, trauma, depression, poor social support, awareness of legal channels for complaint and harsh parenting to children. The implication is that it could not only have a negative impact on the affected victim but also on their parenting styles or caring responsibilities, which could be detrimental to children's development and wellbeing and resort to criminal behaviours. In essence this study seeks to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief FAmily oriented Mindfulness informed Legal Education (FAMiLE) intervention in comparison to the waitlist control group (who will be administered the intervention at a later date) in improving parenting, legal awareness, social cohesion, wellbeing and reducing trauma and anxiety as a result of the effect of having a family member incarcerated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and above
• Parent or carer with child(ren) or with caring responsibilities for children affected by incarceration.
• Able to provide full consent for their participation.
• A resident of the study areas (Delta, Jos or Lagos State)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Less than 18 years
• Unable to consent
• Currently undergoing severe mental health treatment
• Unable to speak the English language fluently