This piece of research looks at 5 Prisons in the North East of England and how they can improve the way constructive family relationships are maintained whilst a parent is in prison.
The research looks at what is important to the parents with regards to relationships with their families, different approaches to prison visits, good practice, the role of visitor centres, especially with regard to young children, and local and national policy related to the support of family relationships. The case studies include input from prisoners, visitors and prison service staff. This report builds on the evidence base that substance misuse, offending behaviours and mental ill health in children can occur as result of poor family relationships and that strong family relationships lessen the likelihood of reoffending in the parent. The findings note the un-family-friendly experience of visiting prison e.g. security checks and concludes that maintaining family relationships through improved visits, family days and contact could be key in crime prevention and community safety initiatives.
See Keeping Families Together below:
