women are more likely than men to be the primary guardian of a child or children; having a mother who is in solitary confinement, then, can be very detrimental to the children. inmates in solitary confinement have much less frequent contact with family members, and when they do, they are usually separated by a partition. although inmates are allowed some visits from immediate family members, a long background check is required. children with mothers in prison are at a greater risk for depression or anxiety, substance abuse, or involvement in crime. these factors are only furthered by the more distanced relationship that becomes necessary with a mother in solitary confinement and the restrictions on visitation that accompany that.