Loved Ones of Incarcerated People and the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2023)

As part of the University of Alberta Prison Project (UAPP), this study examines the experiences of people during the COVID 19 pandemic who have incarcerated loved ones in prison. We conducted 181 longitudinal interviews from 2020 to 2021 with 29 loved ones across Canada to identify some of their most common concerns about COVID-related developments. We also asked about how participants navigated their relationships with loved ones during the pandemic. Our team interviewed each participant every two to four weeks thereafter for the next ten months, depending on their availability. Participants completed an average of six interviews each. Interviews ceased in January 2021, although we continue to be in contact with several of our participants.