SCIE media releases 2008

More support is needed for children of prisoners

16 April 2008

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) is calling for local authorities and central government to do more to help children of prisoners maintain contact with their parents.

In a new report, SCIE outlines findings from practice across the UK and makes specific recommendations for statutory and voluntary children services, local safeguarding children’s boards, prison services, Sure Start children’s centres, health and education and central government.

It is estimated that around 162,000 children in the UK are affected by parental imprisonment every year and research shows that children of prisoners are less likely than other children to achieve the outcomes set out in the government’s Every Child Matters framework – to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.  

Speaking about the subject, Chief Executive of SCIE, Julie Jones, said:

"When a parent goes into prison it can be extremely difficult for a child to adjust and continue with school life, friends and other family. Maintaining appropriate family ties can help this adjustment by promoting stability and familiarity for a child. Good family contact is also a factor in reducing reoffending."

"Our work has highlighted that there is no specific guidance available about how organisations can support children of prisoners. Consequently, they are often not recognised as a distinct group and families, teachers and other professionals don’t know where to find the support they need."

"The main aim of this work is to raise awareness about the needs of children of prisoners and what can be offered to help them maintain family ties."

The new report from SCIE - Children of prisoners - maintaining family ties – highlights models of good practice, including the policy in Northern Ireland to make contact with the family or carers of all known children of prisoners.

NIACRO (Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) offers a service for families of prisoners. Director of Services, Siobhan O'Dwyer, said:

"We find that families need both practical and emotional support to cope with the stressful experience of living with a relative in prison. Interventions need to be flexible, child-centred and involve many different disciplines. NIACRO is only able to deliver this service with support and recognition from many areas of government. This level of support will be essential for other areas hoping to adopt similar ways of working."

Link: Resource guide 11: Children of prisoners - maintaining family ties

Media contacts

Annie Goss | Media and PR Manager | T: 020 7089 7117 | M: 07739 458 192 | Email: media@scie.org.uk

Department of Health | T: 020 7210 5221