1. Introduction

What is the pathway?

In this resource you will be taking the journey that represents the pathway through the criminal justice system. This will give you an opportunity to think about how children can be affected at each stage, what you might do to help and how to access the resources available.

The pathway is divided into four main stages, each of which can profoundly affect a child:

1. Arrest

Police may arrest a parent in front of the child. This causes upset and trauma.

2. Court

Is where sentence is decided. It may be the last time a child sees their parent before they go to prison.

3. Prison

Mum or dad may be taken to prison miles from home. They may be moved around a lot. The child may never get to visit.

4. Release

The whole family might find it difficult to adjust when a parent comes home.