Directory of Resources

There are an estimated 310,000 children affected by parental imprisonment each year. These children and their families are more likely than their peers to suffer poor physical and mental health, isolation, stigma and poverty. As often the first universal service children come into contact with, health services and professionals such as midwives, GPs, health visitors, CAMHS practitioners and so on, are key in helping to identify and meet the needs of this group of...

There are an estimated 310,000 children affected by parental imprisonment each year. It is important that professionals working in prisons, Young Offender Institutions (YOIs), Secure Children's Homes and Secure Training Centres (STCs) have an awareness of how to help children and parents maintain ties as a means of reducing reoffending and intergenerational offending, and also for the wellbeing of innocent families. NICCO’s briefings...

Children are often devastated when their mum is sent to prison but their interests are rarely considered by a justice system which is blind to their needs, this report by the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) reveals.   For most children, their mother is their primary carer. Every year an estimated 17,000 children experience their mum being sent to prison. Last year, 83% of women sentenced to prison had committed a non-violent crime and 62% were serving a sentence of six months or less....

There are an estimated 310,000 children affected by parental imprisonment each year. These children and their families are more likely than their peers to suffer outcomes such as poor physical and mental health, poverty, poor education experiences and stigma. Given the focus on education, crime and anti-social behaviour, professionals are likely to be working with many families that are affected by parental offending. Furthermore  the focus on parental offending, and...

This report, written by Anne Longfield, the Children's Commissioner contains the results of the annual study of childhood vulnerability in England.   The report describes '... the children who are growing up with risks that could affect their wellbeing and ultimately life chances.' The report acknowledges that children of prisoners are potentially vulnerable and may have complex family needs, but goes on to say that 'there is very little information on...

The Prison Service Journal #238 (July 2018) contains two articles on the subject of parental imprisonment:   'Family Matters: A critical examination of family visits for imprisoned mothers and their families' is by Dr Natalie Booth a Lecturer in Criminology at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University. 'A qualitative study of imprisoned fathers: Separation and the impact on relationships with their children' is by Dr Geraldine Akerman,...