2. 6 scenarios

Scenario 1: Staying in touch

Read the situation below and choose the best response.

You are a teacher. One of your students, who is 14, has told you her mother is in prison. She is very distressed. She has not been able to speak to her mother, doesn't know how she is and can't concentrate at school or sleep at night. Once you have got permission from her and her carer, do you:

  • Contact your local probation office to see if they can help?
  • A constructive approach! If the mother was sentenced to over 12 months, the probation service would have on-going responsibility. If the sentence was less, they may be able to sign-post you.
  • Try to ring the prison but after several unsuccessful attempts, give up and tell your student you are sure her mum will be in touch when she can?
  • At least you have had a go! It is frustrating trying to get in touch with a prison. You might now have a clearer understanding of what your student is going through even though they are no further in getting the help they need.
  • Pursue contact with the prison and think about how you might develop links to make this process easier for other staff and children in the school who may be affected?
  • Top answer - Time consuming! However, it could be the most positive option and offer the school a valuable resource. The Gloucestershire Parent in Prison policy could be adapted locally.