Page 31 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

What families need • When a parent is imprisoned, the family require support and intervention early in order to prevent difficulties escalating. If imprisonment is anticipated, this can provide some opportunity for early intervention in terms of both emotional and practical support. • Involving extended family members (particularly grandparents) can be exceptionally helpful. • Liaising directly with the child/young person’s school is important. In summary, the main practice messages identified by Barnardos services are: 1. A response that can combine practical assistance (around visiting benefits etc.) with more work around feelings and relationships is particularly valued. 2. There is a need wherever possible for a prompt (that is, at the point of imprisonment) response to the family affected by imprisonment. 3. Talking directly to children about prison and its impact is crucial. 4. Parents often need help and support to talk to their children about imprisonment. 5. Parents at home may struggle with separating their own needs from their children’s in terms of the relationships with the imprisoned parent. 6. Not all crimes are the same in terms of the impact of parental imprisonment. Sex and serious violent crimes add many layers of complexity to the work with the children of prisoners. 7. Workers with children of prisoners need to engage with wider family networks – particularly grandparents. 8. It will often be necessary to liaise closely with schools to support the child affected by parental imprisonment. Further Guidance Families Outside has produced two booklets aimed at children and young people, explaining what happens when a relative is sent to prison. Honest? Aimed at 4-11 year 10 9 olds and What’s the Story? Aimed at young people aged 12 years and over. Action for Prisons Families This website contains lots of useful information including publications suitable for all age groups. 9 http://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/content/uploads/2012/03/HonestMar2012web.pdf 10 http://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/content/uploads/2012/03/WhatsTheStoryMar2012web.pdf Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire Live V1.2 April 2014 Page No:31