DADS IN PRISON/YOUNG OFFENDERS’ INSTITUTIONS

Questions we have been asked include:

‘Young father in YOI wants to attend birth of child’

‘Father in prison wants to see his children’

‘Father has been moved to a prison far away from his family – visits now impossible’

In research carried out in 2009, Barnardo’s found that around 160,000 children in the UK have a parent (mostly a father) in prison. The effects of having a parent in prison can, sadly, be profound and long-lasting. You can read the report, Every Night You Cry, on the Barnardo’s website.

Action for Prisoners’ Families (APF), works for the benefit of prisoners’ and offenders’ families by representing the views of families and those who work with them. It also promotes effective work with families. You can join the organisation for free and talk to other people in your situation via forums and special interest groups to gain support, advice and understanding. The helpline (free on mobiles and landlines) is 0808 808 2003, or check out their website.

The European Network for Children of Imprisoned Parents (Eurochips) lists books aimed at children aged three and up who have a parent in prison, which may help you to explain what has happened and recognise how the child may be feeling. Find out more on its website.

Storybook Dads is a UK charity which works with imprisoned fathers, enabling them read bedtime stories for their children. Their scheme runs in more than 90 prisons across the country (and a sister scheme called Storybook Mums operates in 10 women’s prisons). Find out more on the website.

Other organisations which work with imprisoned dads include Safeground and the Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

Find links to other Dads’ FAQs articles here.