The NICCO Directory of Resources provides details of the huge number of tools, activities, practice models and guidance that have been developed by agencies to support offenders and their children and families.
Whether you are working directly with children, supporting offenders to maintain parental contact, helping a parent to prepare their child for a prison visit or simply want to develop your own understanding of the criminal justice system, this directory provides you with a range of resources to support and inform your work.
To support working with Children
Find activities, books, films, sound bites and worksheets to support your work with children and young people. ViewOffenders and Families
Find information, books, tools, activities and programmes to support your work with offenders and their partners or family members. ViewTo support Professional's Practice
Find delivery models, case studies, local and national policies and guidlines, practice guides, briefings and resources for professional learning and development. View25. Visiting a prison
A handy information sheet for families who are preparing to visit a prison. Covers booking systems, number of visits allowed, ID required to enter prisons, searches, prison facilities, and general information on what to expect. Useful for professionals as a summary and to pass on to a family member or carer. See the Offenders' Families Helpline website for the entire range of their information sheets below:
Click here26. Visiting Day
This illustrated book from the US, depicts a young girl and her family as they await her father's release from prison. The story explores the importance of family relationships and support, and illustrates the anticipation of visiting day for the child. The book does not depict the crime, keeping the focus on the family, who has been left behind. Though a work of fiction, the events in the story are based on the real experiences the author had as a child when her Uncle was incarcerated....
27. Visiting our Dad in Prison
This short film shows a prison visit through the eyes of a young child. The film goes through different aspects of visiting, including arrival at the prison, being searched, the visits hall, family visits and visitor centres. This film could be used to help children and families prepare for a visit, or for awareness raising with professionals. See 'Visiting our Dad in Prison' below:
28. What's the story? What happens when a relative is sent to prison
This booklet for young people aged 12 - 16 years, tells the story of a young girl and her siblings whose older brother goes to prison. The characters within the story highlight important issues and emotions which children and young people may face in similar situations. In addition to the narrative there are also notes to help any questions children and young people may have. The booklet can be read by children and young people, by family members or by professionals. There is also a list of...
29. When Dad Was Away
This illustrated book follows the story of Milly, and the challenges she faces when her Dad goes to prison. When she discovers that her father is in prison she is angry and confused. Visiting the prison for the first time is daunting, but seeing her dad makes up for it all. A week later, she gets a surprise: a CD of stories that her father has recorded. Christmas comes and everyone at school is looking forward to seeing Santa. To her amazement, her family have a celebration too, a...
30. YouTube Video: #wearethegoldenthread
In order to raise awareness amongst prisoners’ families of the Farmer Review, and as a response its recommendations, POPS (Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group) asked children and their families from across the North-West to send in a postcard and tell them: What they miss? What family means to them? What would be their one wish? The families’ responses were woven into a short film entitled ‘#WearetheGoldenThread’ to continue the cycle...
