Children affected by parental and familial imprisonment often suffer their wide range of emotions and experiences in silence, and are more likely to have poor mental health, low self-esteem, and be emotionally dysregulated, impacting their ability to function and learn. Without compassionate support, they are also more likely to disengage from education, which can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To improve outcomes for these children it is vital that we overcome the barriers to ensuring that affected families are offered support, kept safe, and given the opportunity to have their questions answered and their feelings heard. Where it is safe to do so, it is beneficial for families to maintain contact, whilst respecting their own needs and preferences, confidentiality, and right to privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) is a national charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions and their families. A helpline is available, and the Pact website offers a range of helpful guidance (we’ve picked out some specific pages further down this page).<\/p>\n\n\n\n