Literature review. Framework for present study. The father-child relationship. Incarcerated fathers -- Methods. Sampling. Phase I, survey. Phase II, interviews -- The family of origin. Profile of jailed fathers. Family of origin. Father-son relationship. Summary -- Jailed fathers in their current family. Characteristics of the current family. Number of children. Paternal behavior. Summary -- The jail experience of fathers. Face-to-face visits and other contact. Telephone and other contact. Impact of separation on fathers and their children. Summary -- Conclusions and implications. Research questions and associated findings. Linkages between findings and attachment theory. Policy and programmatic implications. Methodological implications. Implications for future research. Limitations. Conclusions.