This case study demonstrates the impact of the direct work done with one family by a prison-based POPS Family Support Worker.
Background Mark* is serving his remaining sentence at a category D prison for alcohol related offences. As a result this has had a huge impact on the whole family unit. He and his partner have lost their home and there was a threat that the children, aged 2 and 3 years of age, could potentially be put into care. Children's Social Care have been involved and are still working closely with the family. Mark's parents were given temporary custody of the children and have received support and advice from Grandparents Plus. His parents are also receiving financial support. Mark's partner is currently serving a custodial sentence at a women's open category prison for alcohol offences and is soon to be released on HDC (Home Detention Curfew). Her children have been visiting her at the prison.
Issues Raised Mark said that his partner is now seeing their children on town visits but he has not seen them and he made a request to pay a visit to the prison where his partner is held to visit his partner and children.
Support Offered The POPS Family Services Coordinator, based at the prison Mark is held, spoke to the offender management unit, the offender supervisor and the offender manager to request permission for Mark to visit his partner. This request was refused by the prison. The refusal was made as Mark's partner is awaiting her town and home leave, leaving her on HDC. The POPS Family Services Coordinator spoke to the Chaplain to see if it was possible for Mark's partner, children and Grandparents to attend a family day at the prison. The two prisons involved discussed the request and Mark's partner was granted HDC and permission for the whole family to attend a family day. The POPS Family Services Coordinator also requested a private visit for the partner and children of the offender prior to the family day, with the POPS Family Services Coordinator present. This was granted and the family enjoyed six hours together. As a result this enabled the family to enjoy both days. Upon release the Family Services Coordinator also provided additional support which involved referrals to other agencies including: PSS (local charity) Job Centre Plus. Grandparents Plus. CAB. Local County Council (Safeguarding Children Board) Local Social Housing.
Outcomes. The family has received support, contacts, advice and information. The family has agreed to maintain contact and to work with the relevant departments within HMP. The parents have been encouraged and now understand that they must engage with services within the community. The prison where Mark is held has worked positively with the support worker and the family. Mark has now completed his sentence and his partner has also completed hers. The family are now united with help from outside agencies as well as attending Alcoholics Anonymous. The family are living with Mark's parents and are awaiting a home of their own, this will either be a council property or social housing.
* Names have been changed to protect identities
