Family Member in Prison
In the UK over 312,000 children have a parent in prison – that is the equivalent to the population of Wirral.
Children of prisoners are at risk of significantly worse outcomes than children not affected by parental imprisonment. These include, amongst others, an increased risk of future offending, mental health issues, and poor educational attainment.
Having a parent in prison is considered one of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) which can have a profound negative impact on children’s Outcomes. ACE’s are “highly stressful, and potentially traumatic, events or situations that occur during childhood and/or adolescence. They can be a single event, or prolonged threats to, and breaches of, the young person’s safety, security, trust or bodily integrity.” (Young Minds, 2018).
The imprisonment of a parent/carer may be an entirely proper outcome from the Criminal Justice System, but the children left behind are a vulnerable group who require additional support and a trauma informed approach from all services to prosper.
Children with family members in prison can experience a wide range of emotions and challenges due to their unique circumstances. Some common feelings and reactions they might experience include
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Children may feel confused about why their family member is in prison and struggle to understand the reasons behind their actions. They might also feel a sense of betrayal if the family member's actions directly impacted them or their family.
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The absence of a family member due to being in prison can lead to feelings of sadness and grief, especially if the child had a close relationship with the individual.
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Children may feel angry or resentful towards the incarcerated family member for the impact their actions have had on the family and their lives.
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Children might experience feelings of shame and stigma due to the social stigma associated with having a family member in prison. They might fear being judged or ostracised by others.
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The absence of a family member can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly if they were an essential source of emotional support for the child.
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Children might worry about the safety and well-being of their in prison family member. They may also fear the future and the uncertainty surrounding their family situation.
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Being in prison can lead to financial strains on the family, which can impact the child's well-being and access to basic needs.
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Children with family members in prison may struggle academically and socially due to the stress and emotional toll of their situation.
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Some children may internalise the situation and blame themselves for their family member being in prison, even though it is not their fault.
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The separation from a family member in prison can disrupt attachment patterns, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships with others.
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Despite the challenges, some children may exhibit resilience and maintain hope for the future, especially if they receive support from caring adults or access to counseling services.
It's important to recognise that every child's experience is unique, and their reactions can vary depending on factors like age, personality, family dynamics, and the nature of the crime committed by the family member. Providing emotional support, open communication, and access to counseling or support groups can be crucial in helping children cope with these complex emotions and challenges.
Further Support
Time Matters UK
Time-Matters UK is a Merseyside based organisation, that aims to provide support for children who are impacted by parental imprisonment. We provide group support and individual support for children and young people aged 5yrs to 18yrs, both face to face and online, and welcome children from anywhere in the UK who might wish to join us.
Children Heard and Seen
Children Heard and Seen supports children, young people and their families who are impacted by parental imprisonment. We strive to support their needs, listen to their concerns and ensure that their voices are heard. All support is offered at no cost to the family and without the need for an agency referral. We offer 1-1 support with trained staff, volunteer mentoring, parent support, peer support groups for children, online activities for children, and activity days.
Email: info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk
Women in Prison
Women in Prison is a national charity that supports women affected by the criminal justice system and campaigns to end the harm caused to women, their families and our communities by imprisonment
Telephone: 0207 359 6674
Email: info@wipuk.org
Response Counselling Service
The Response counselling service works with young people aged 13-18. It is a free confidential service working with young people with moderate to severe issues which include suicide ideation, self harming, depression, high levels of anxiety bereavement etc.
Tel: 01516664123
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers support young people in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people on a wide range of issues and topics such as: building resilience, reducing risks, healthy relationships, sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) drugs, alcohol, emotional health, Stress and Anxiety.