13.13 Dependent children

Changes to the current census data collection methodology also affect data for dependent children, as IOMS data has again been substituted for the earlier questionnaire. It is recognised that information obtained during inmate reception interview may in some cases no longer be accurate by the time of the census. In terms of the data reported below, it is also acknowledged that receiving interview questions specifically regarding children may differ from previous census questions.

For each census since 1991, the percentage of female sentenced inmates with dependent children was higher than for males. The decline in the number of males with dependent children is perhaps surprising in light of the figures suggesting an aging prison population.

Table 13-23 Sentenced inmates with dependent children (percent)

With dependent children	1991	1993	1995	1997	1999	2001	2003
	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Females	62	62	53	58	56	44	47
Males	35	38	35	44	47	34	26

Excludes inmates where information about dependent children was not available. Note the discontinuity in data collection methodology between 2001 and 2003. The 2003 data relates to inmates identified at their reception interview as having either child custodial or financial dependents.