Pact calls for more support for children with a parent in prison

Pact, along with a number of other charities, has called on the Ministry of Justice to collect and publish more comprehensive information about children with a parent in prison. Pact is the national Catholic prison charity. We work in more than 60 prisons across England & Wales supporting people in prison and their children and families.

As the Victims and Prisoners Bill passes through Parliament, Pact is standing with other expert criminal justice sector charities urging the House of Lords to back an amendment requiring the Secretary of State to publish data annually about children and young people affected by imprisonment.

Estimates suggest that around 312,000 children are affected by this issue every year, but accurate and accessible information is currently not collected. There is no statutory safety net or system for identifying children whose primary carer has been removed from their child's life to serve a prison sentence.

It's important to avoid stigmatising this vulnerable group and many children with a parent in prison go on to lead positive and fulfilling lives. However, a range of research shows that, as a group, prisoners' children suffer worse outcomes than almost any other group of children. If not identified and supported, they are more likely to suffer from problems later in life including mental health problems, homelessness, and poverty.

Pact CEO Andy Keen-Downs said: "In 1898, when our Catholic charity was formed, the first person Pact helped was a child known only as 'Roots', who was made homeless by the imprisonment of one or both of her parents. More than 125 years later we still don't know enough about the children affected by parental imprisonment in our communities. The amendment we are calling for would be an important step in making sure no child is left behind without support when their mum or dad is sent to prison."

Read the full briefing here: House of Lords Briefing January 2024

The prayers, goodwill and financial support of Catholic people has always been very important to Pact. We deeply appreciate any donation you can make to help us continue to support our brothers and sisters in prison and their children and families.

LINK

Pact: www.prisonadvice.org.uk