This report looks at the complex needs and safeguarding concerns faced by children with a parent in prison, and discusses the importance of providing support for children when they are visiting a parent in prison.
It is highlighted that the prison visiting environment can have an important role to play in supporting children and young people, and provide an opportunity to identify those at risk. The London Prisons Service provided at the time by Spurgeons is also covered, which supported more than 36,000 visits by children to prisons in 2014. This service allows parents in prison to maintain ties with their children through a range of activities such as supervised play, meals and family days. However, numerous safeguarding incidents were also identified by the service which may not have otherwise been picked up by authorities. A review of safeguarding incidents recorded in the London Prisons Visiting Service between 2012 and 2014 showed: 19% related to a child with presenting injuries. 19% involved a child left unattended by their parent or carer in the Visitors' Centre. 38% resulted in referral to local authority children's services. 65% related to abuse witnessed by staff or disclosed by the child during the visit. 69% related to children aged five or under. 27% occurred on a weekend. Also, in 80% of the referrals made to children's services following a safeguarding concern during prison visits, the family was already known to the relevant authorities - but until Spurgeons staff made contact, authorities were often not aware that there were current concerns about the child's welfare.
See Supporting children with a parent in prison below:
