Directory of Resources

Bristol's city-wide strategy for supporting children and families of offenders, was developed by a multi-agency steering group including representatives from health, children's social care, probation, voluntary organisations and so on. The Strategy ties in children of offenders to the city's children and young people's plan, and sets outcomes for children of offenders which it aims to contribute to. The Action Plan then sets out how the steering group intends to achieve...

This case study demonstrates the outcomes achieved for one family, through multi-agency communication and work. Background During Induction, a prisoner serving a life sentence at HMP Hollesley Bay (an open prison), requested support in rebuilding his life with his three children through supervised visits with their LA key workers. The children were residing in local authority care in various locations across the UK. The Head of Residence spent time with the prisoner discussing his personal...

This case study demonstrates the impact of the direct work done with one family by a community-based POPS Family Support Worker. Background: Aged 17 years Paul* was issued a Police Final Warning for causing criminal damage to his mother's house. His mother Marianne* was reluctant to press charges, not wanting to criminalise her own son, but felt she had no other option. Paul is the eldest of three children (with younger brothers aged 9 and 10 years) who live at home with their mum...

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...

The national Re-Unite programme reunites and houses women leaving prison with their children. Background The Re-Unite programme is currently being piloted in ten areas across the country. It aims to address a 'catch 22' problem in the system whereby when mothers are released from custody, their children are usually in kinship or local authority care and the mothers are therefore generally not considered a priority for housing. Without suitable housing it then becomes very...

This document provides guidance on how schools in Oxfordshire should support children with a family member in prison.   The guidelines aim to raise awareness and understanding of the impact of imprisonment on children's needs, promote social inclusion and develop a consistent approach across the local authority. The guidelines provide information around the impact of imprisonment on a child, on their school life and on their outcomes. The guidelines set out how schools can...