Innocent Victims: recognising and supporting children affected by imprisonment .

1. Innocent Victims: recognising and supporting children affected by imprisonment. “I think it’d be good if teachers got a kind of lesson on how kids like me feel and what it’s like for us” Son of prisoner (14) Sarah Roberts, November 2013

2. loss shock loneliness anger sadness fear

3. ‘Disenfranchised grief’ … the grief experienced by those who incur a loss that is not, or cannot be, openly acknowledged, publicly mourned or socially supported. Doka (1999)

4. stigma shame

5. Impact of Imprisonment on Families • Loss of income • Loss of housing • Victimisation • Cost and logistics of transport • Lack of information • Little involvement in the decisions that affect them • Increased risk of mental health issues

6. Change of care-giver Increased risk of exclusion from school Keeping secrets or ‘going along with a lie’ Increased risk of future imprisonment Trauma of witnessing the arrest Children with a close relative in prison Higher risk of mental and physical health issues Problems at school Mistrust of authority Being bullied or becoming the bully

7. “No one explained anything. I knew he was getting kept in, but I didn’t know where.” Daughter (12) “I’ve never talked to anyone at school about it…. I’m scared to.” Daughter (15) “Someone should have just asked me what was wrong (at school) .” Son (19)

8. So what can teachers do? Savannah’s story and Kendon’s story

9. be a community that is aware and supportive liaise with partner agencies; tell families about Families Outside actively build positive relationships with families challenge unhelpful attitudes provide information for children affected Schools can encourage on-going contact between children and imprisoned parent s reach out to the parent in prison offer support to children affected help reduce bullying

10. Turning it around An integrated approach between education, social work, criminal justice and charities such as Families Outside can achieve: increased emotional well-being among children reduction in school exclusions greater family engagement with the school and other agencies a decrease in harmful behaviour increased engagement in school increased school attendance positive post-school destinations

11. Together we can: • Help children become: • successful learners • confident individuals • effective contributors • responsible citizens • Reduce re-offending • Break the cycle of inter-generational offending

12. www.familiesoutside.org.uk