More than £120,000 has been awarded to the charity Nepacs, allowing children
who want to sustain a relationship with a parent in prison, to
stay in touch and helping cut reoffending from prisoners.
Evidence shows that offenders who maintain family ties are nearly
40% less likely to
reoffend, demonstrating the role families can play in keeping
the wider community safe.
Additionally, independent findings suggest better addressing the
needs of prisoners’ children would help break the cycle of
crime in families.
, Prisons Minister, said:
Keeping in touch with those closest to us can play a huge role in
our wellbeing, and we know that prisoners who maintain those ties
are much less likely to reoffend.
The funding for this work will help prisoners rehabilitate and in
turn keep our communities safe.
Amanda Lacey, Chief Executive of Nepacs, said:
The impact of separation can be devastating for parents and
children, while many find the legal implications surrounding
child contact extremely difficult to navigate.
Our work helps women in Low Newton understand their rights and
get the support they need to become informed and involved in
decisions which affect them and their children.
The new scheme - the Parental Rights in Prison project – also
helps prisoners understand complex issues, such as contact
arrangements, through weekly drop-in sessions and monthly legal
rights workshops with a family law solicitor.
The programme helps parents in prison understand the law on child
contact, including the seriousness and potential implications of
breaching child contact arrangements and help parents accept when
a court has decided that total separation is in the best
interests of them and their children.
The programme’s workshops are based at women’s prison HMP and YOI
Low Newton, with learning and support to be provided across the
region’s seven prisons.
Notes to editors
