@Drg45 you have the option to either file Married- Filing Joint or Married - Filing Separate. Normally filing Joint is the better outcome, esp. when one is working and one is not. 96% of married couples file Joint. The fact that your spouse is incarcerated doesn't preclude you from filing Joint (he does have to sign the return, though).
Since the bio-Mom is the custodial parent, you can only claim the child tax credit if she provides you with form 8332. the fact that bio-dad is incarerated doesn't matter. what matters is whether Bio-Mom gives you form 8332.
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8332#:~:text=More%20In%20Forms%20and%20Instructions&text=I....
