This research predominantly focuses on what does and could work in Scotland regarding support for prisoners' families - but can be learned from by people from any country.
It references 13 pages of research and policy from around the world as well as multiple resources, services and examples of practice in order to analyse and describe the needs, support and good practice for work with prisoners' families. The report first looks at research and examples around the impact of imprisonment including children's physical and mental health, families and maintaining contact. Loucks then highlights 'key pressure points' (such as housing, finance, emotional impacts, stigma etc) at different stages of a parents' imprisonment including first entry into prison and throughout the sentence (e.g. access to information, visiting, the transfer of prisoners, release and resettlement). This research gives examples of existing resources (including organisations) in Scotland, the UK and internationally. There are sections on information and support for children and young people, information for professionals, facilities for family contact and family support staff. Loucks also highlights the gaps in provision in the areas of recognition, early provision of information, preparation for release, appropriate targeting and the further development of existing resources. This paper also looks at why some people fail to engage with existing resources. Loucks finishes by discussing what works in reducing reoffending, for families in their own right (e.g. visitor centres, family support staff, information) and programmes and support projects. The conclusion calls for the development of resources as well as more recognition of the needs of prisoners families. Finally the research paper includes a list of UK helplines for prisoners families.
Read Prison Without Bars below:
