Description
Book SynopsisThe families of death row inmates are rarely considered in public discourse regarding the death penalty. They have largely been forgotten, and their pain has not been acknowledged by the rest of society. These families experience a unique grief process as they are confronted with the loss of their loved one to death row and brace themselves for the possibility of an execution. Death row families are disenfranchised from their grief by the surrounding community, and their; mental health needs exacerbated as they struggle in isolation with the ambiguous loss that comes with the fear that the state will kill their loved one. Grief, Loss, and Treatment for Death Row Families describes the grief that families experience from the time of their loved one's arrest through his or her execution. In each chapter, Sandra Joy guides the reader through the grief process experienced by the families, offering clinical interventions that can be used by mental health professionals who are given the oppo
Trade ReviewThis is a good and important book that fills a nearly total gap in the thanatological literature that has essentially ignored the population of families of death row inmates coping with grief and loss. . . .This is a worthwhile clinical book . . . It is very informative about how our court systems function and how death row families understandably are traumatized by the entire experience. They do, indeed, need mental health and bereavement services. This book will provide immeasurable insights for any counselors who have or actively seek out the opportunity to serve this population. * Omega - Journal of Death and Dying *
In an incredibly sensitive book, Grief, Loss, and Treatment for Death Row Families: Forgotten No More, Sandra Joy explores the disenfranchised grief of a most forgotten population—families of death row inmates. Clinicians will find this a very special work of value not only to those who work with or wish to understand the struggles of these individuals but also for an extraordinary application of the role of the grief therapist in the most difficult circumstances. It is a must-read! -- Kenneth Doka, The Graduate School of The College of New Rochelle
Sandra Joy has captured my family's story and the agony we have experienced since our nightmare began in 1990. Her book will help those who share my nightmare and the professionals who wish to help us through our suffering. -- Barbara Lewis
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: The Initial Shock Chapter 3: The Death Sentence Chapter 4: Negotiating the Row Chapter 5: The Execution Chapter 6: What About the Children? Chapter 7: Conclusions Appendix A: Books for Children of Death Row Inmates and Therapists Working with Them Appendix B: Support Groups for the Children of Incarcerated Parents