Places encountered along the pathway
Visitor's centres
Many prisons now have centres that are run by the voluntary sector to make visiting more child-friendly. The staff are able to offer advice and support to families. Each visitors' centre is different. They are usually situated outside the prison itself.
Below you can read a transcript from a visit in a Social visits room.
GP's surgery
This is the gateway to the range of services (including midwives, health visitors, counselling and mental health services) that might be needed by families of prisoners.
Children's centres
This is where children under five can receive support from a range of professionals to help them when a parent goes into prison. They can offer support to the family during the court process, prison visits and upon release. Each Children's centre is different.
See: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/aims/childrenstrusts.
Children's services
This is where children are assessed to see if they are eligible for support. The Common Assessment Framework is the tool used for this purpose. Anyone can initiate an assessment, although most children of prisoners will not fit the criteria.
School
Whilst, for many children, this is where they spend most of their time, they may not tell anyone about what has happened to their parent(s). However, information may have been in the press and children may be at risk of bullying and stigmatisation from other children. In some instances children may have to move schools as a result of moving home.
Home
Hopefully, the child will be able to stay at home, but for many children parental imprisonment means they have to live elsewhere, often with extended family.