Vulnerable children with a parent in prison will be recognised earlier and better supported under new Government efforts to give every child the best start in life.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the circumstances they face. For the estimated 193,000 children in England and Wales who have a parent in prison, that opportunity can often be overshadowed by challenges beyond their control.
A new Government pilot, launching in autumn 2026, aims to change that by ensuring that children affected by parental imprisonment are identified earlier and connected with the support they need to flourish.
Joining Up Support for Families
For the first time, information held across public services will be shared more effectively to help identify children who have a parent in prison. Police forces will share relevant information with local authorities in targeted areas, while existing government data will also be brought together to create a clearer picture of where support is needed.
This joined-up approach is designed to ensure that children and families can access vital services, including education, healthcare, mental health support and social care, before they reach crisis point.
The pilot, led jointly by the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education, will run from 2026 to 2028. It will initially focus on areas with higher rates of parental imprisonment, with the ambition of expanding the programme nationally if successful.
The initiative delivers on the Government’s commitment to better support children with a parent in custody, recognising that these young people are at significantly greater risk of poor educational outcomes, mental health challenges and, ultimately, involvement in the criminal justice system themselves.
Minister for Children Josh MacAlister said: “No child should be defined by the actions of a parent, especially when that parent is in prison.
“This pilot will deliver urgently needed support for children’s mental health, education and wellbeing, helping those with a parent in prison to overcome challenges and thrive. It is a crucial step in breaking the link between background and success.”
Once identified, families will also be connected to local services such as Family Hubs and directed to a range of other support including help with physical and mental health, housing advice, youth services, and services run by local charities.
The Role of Trusted Community Organisations
At LAT, we welcome this important first step. However, identifying families is only part of the solution, and we therefore look forward to working with Government, local authorities and partners to make sure that children and families receive the right support at the right time.
Adelle Lighton, Head of Custody Services at LAT, added: “Building on the trust and experience of charities such as Lincolnshire Action Trust, will be crucial in the success of this new approach. We look forward to working with partners to build on this important first step.”
Across the voluntary sector, organisations have welcomed the Government’s commitment while emphasising the importance of designing services around the lived experiences of children and families. Specialist charities have long demonstrated that early, compassionate and non-judgemental support can make a lasting difference to children’s wellbeing and future opportunities.
Looking Ahead
This announcement forms part of the Government’s wider ambition to give every child the best start in life through investment in family support, children’s social care reform and wider crime prevention initiatives.
For organisations like LAT, it represents an opportunity for us to strengthen partnerships and make sure that children affected by parental imprisonment receive the support they deserve.
No child should pay the price for a parent’s actions. By identifying families earlier and working together across statutory and voluntary services, we can help break cycles of disadvantage and give every child the chance to build a brighter future.
Our team is here to help with confidential support, guidance and a listening ear.
Please get in touch at hello@LATcharity.org.uk or call us on 01522 806611.
