What are the challenges and opportunities for schools in supporting children of people in prison?

Abstract

This chapter looks at the effects of maternal imprisonment on children and reviews findings that show that few children remain in the family home when their mother is imprisoned. It acknowledges that outcomes may be adverse for any child experiencing parental imprisonment, but it also emphasizes that having a mother imprisoned can cause more negative outcomes for the child than having a father imprisoned. The chapter mentions that the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCFS) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) made strong recommendations to use parental entry into prison to enable the secure sharing of relevant information between agencies, and the systematic assessment and support of the child. It cites research that consistently shows that the outcomes for children of prisoners are poor. It also talks about studies that indicate that children of people in prison are more likely to have mental health issues and suffer emotional distress.