Did you know that every year more than 80,000 families and 200,000 children are affected by imprisonment?
Behind every prison sentence lies a ripple effect that touches homes, schools and communities. For the children left behind, the experience can be life-changing and too often, their voices go unheard.
Children with a Parent in Prison Day (25th November) is a new awareness day dedicated to recognising and uplifting the voices of children impacted by parental imprisonment.
About the Day
Led by the charity Children Heard and Seen, the day aims to celebrate the resilience of these children, amplify their stories and call for stronger support systems that meet their unique needs.
The theme for this inaugural year, ‘Hear Me, See Me’, is a powerful reminder that we must acknowledge and understand the lived experiences of children with a parent in prison, ensuring they are seen, heard and supported.
Our CEO Alison Goddard joined over 100 individuals with lived experience and professionals at a conference organised by Children Heard and Seen at Westminster Chapel to mark the launch of Children with a Parent in Prison Day and explore more about the issues.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Minister for Children and Families Josh MacAlister MP. The day included panel discussions and workshops led by people with lived experience of parental imprisonment.
The Hidden Impact of Parental Imprisonment
Every year, more than 200,000 children in the UK face the emotional, social and financial strain that comes with having a parent in prison. The true number is likely much higher, as there is no legal requirement to disclose when a person in prison has children or when a child has a parent in custody.
When a parent is imprisoned, children can experience a range of negative impacts including mental and physical health problems, financial instability and educational difficulties.
The effects can be wide-ranging and long-lasting:
- Family breakdown: The incarceration of a parent can lead to instability at home, changes in living arrangements and emotional distress.
- Financial hardship: Many families struggle with the loss of income, which can lead to housing insecurity and limited access to resources.
- Mental health: Children of prisoners are twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues. This can include anxiety, fear and feelings of loss or rejection, like a bereavement.
- Behavioural problems: They may experience behavioural issues like aggression, bed-wetting and nightmares.
- Stigma and secrecy: Unlike bereavement or divorce, parental imprisonment is often kept a secret, leaving children isolated and without the support they need.
- Education: Children are at a higher risk for poor academic achievement, as well as poor attendance and school exclusion. Visits to the prison can also lead to unauthorised absences, especially if they are travelling a long distance.
- Offending behaviour: Children with parents in prison are three times more likely to be at risk of antisocial behaviour and offending. According to research undertaken by Barnardo’s, 65% of boys with a parent in prison go on to offend.
Raising Awareness in Our Communities
To mark Children with a Parent in Prison Day, LAT supported ambassador days at several of our sites. We invited pastoral care leads from schools and local authorities to learn more about the support we provide and how they can better assist children affected by parental imprisonment within their own settings.
We are also proud to be working in partnership with HM Prison and Probation Service as part of its awareness activities
The events included:
HMP Stocken:
Our manager delivered staff training focused on LAT, our role within the establishment and the many ways we can support children with a parent in prison. The session reached a high number of staff and helped build understanding of the challenges families face.
They also held a family day, where we displayed information boards throughout the visits hall and spoke with both prisoners and families about available support. Activities were themed around the day, including letter-writing opportunities with messages from children to their loved ones and letters written in custody for children to take home.
HMP Morton Hall:
To raise awareness throughout the week, we designed a dedicated notice board for the visits hall at HMP Morton Hall, accessible to both families and staff. We also supplied family-friendly resources such as Daddy and Me colouring sheets and letter templates, encouraging children to stay connected with their parent through creative expression.
HMP Lincoln:
HMP Lincoln hosted an Ambassador Day, welcoming a range of external professionals including teachers, safeguarding leads, nurses and others working with children and families. The Governor and our manager delivered a joint presentation about the prison and LAT’s work, highlighting the support available for children and significant others.
A prison tour followed, sparking meaningful conversations and leading to requests for future collaboration to strengthen support for children in the community.
HMP North Sea Camp:
At HMP North Sea Camp, we invited fathers, uncles, grandfathers and stepfathers to attend a special event centred on children affected by imprisonment. Discussions explored the impact of custody on children and the types of support available. Personal experiences were also shared, helping to bring the topic to life. Participants created “10 things my child enjoys” activity packs, which will be sent home to help maintain meaningful family bonds.
HMP Hull:
HMP Hull facilitated a creative family session where the prison art workshop delivered a comics-themed activity for children. This interactive session encouraged storytelling, imagination and positive family engagement.
HMP Humber:
HMP Humber also held an Ambassador Day, helping to strengthen professional understanding and build stronger networks of support around children affected by parental imprisonment.
How Lincolnshire Action Trust is Supporting Families
At LAT, we recognise the importance of maintaining positive family ties, not just for the wellbeing of families but also for safer prisons and reduced re-offending.
Our Family and Significant Others Team works across the following prisons in the region to provide emotional and practical support to prisoners and their families: HMP Morton Hall, HMP Humber, HMP Stocken, HMP Lincoln, HMP North Sea Camp and HMP Hull.
We offer:
- Support to help prisoners build and sustain healthy relationships
- Facilitation of family visits and family days, including workshops and activities
- Referrals to specialist agencies and support services
- Help tracing family members through the Salvation Army
- Guidance with court cases or agency involvement regarding children
- Emotional support for families and significant others
- Support for prisoners who have no family network
- Attendance at prison meetings to advocate for prisoner wellbeing
- Parenting courses to strengthen family connections
How You Can Get Support
If you are caring for a child with a parent in prison, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our team is here to help offering confidential support, guidance and a listening ear.
Please get in touch at hello@LATcharity.org.uk or call us on 01522 806611.
Together, we can ensure that every child affected by imprisonment is heard, seen and supported.
