New Resources

Staying close - a guide for women prisoners on maintaining family ties
Staying close - a guide for male prisoners on maintaining family ties (2007)

Description: These free booklets offer practical information on keeping in touch as well as helping a prisoner appreciate the impact a sentence may be having on their family.

The first part of each booklet focuses on the importance of maintaining contact through visits, telephones and letters (especially for children), helping prisoners to have a good visit, prepare for release and return to family life. The second part looks at concerns families might have about re-offending and drug/alcohol use and how they might support a prisoner. Finally it looks at how imprisonment might affect relationships with the immediate and wider family. A list of useful organisations and resources is also included.

The booklets are aimed at prisoners new to the system – particularly those on remand or newly sentenced. If you work in a prison you can order the booklets from Branston stores. The Vocab No. are: XX015 (women prisoners) and XX016 (male prisoners).

Alternatively you can download them as PDFs from APF’s website: www.actionpf.org.uk.

HOMEWARD BOUND resource pack and DVD (2006)

Description: The play 'HOMEWARD BOUND' was commissioned by Action for Prisoners' Families from M6 Theatre Company. It was written by established writer, Mary Cooper, using input from prisoners' families and those who work with them.

It looks at the effect of imprisonment on children and partners, the difficulties of maintaining 'honest/quality relationships', a prisoner's release plans and his family's expectations and fears about his coming home.

In this DVD of the play, the conflicts facing families and prisoners before release are explored in a heartfelt, moving and completely convincing way.

The DVD and accompanying workshop activities - on attractively designed worksheets - including facilitator's notes, could be used in prisons, probation, schools and community settings.

Cover price £25, APF Members £17.50 postage and packing included.

ISBN: 0 954 8593 2 4

Children of Imprisoned Parents: European Perspectives on Good Practice (2006)

Description: Published by Eurochips with the support of the Bernard van Leer Foundation

This handbook of practice and experience is designed for specialists and volunteers working with or for children of imprisoned parents. Chapters cover the law, parenting and prison, children visiting prison, infants living with imprisoned mothers, training and family ties, and lobbying for prisoners' children. It also profiles some of the groundbreaking work currently being carried out across Europe. The book celebrates the 5th anniversary since Eurochips' launch as a European network for practitioners, experts and policy-makers with an interest in children with parents in prison.

ISBN: 2 9526725 0 4

Cover Price £10.50 plus £1.50 postage and packing.

STORYBOOKS FOR PRISONERS’ CHILDREN
APF has published a unique series of storybooks about children with parent in prison in an effort to reduce the stigma that surrounds prisoners’ children and to raise awareness of the problems they face.

These are the first books of their kind in England and Wales. They are a much-needed resource that will help children to explore their emotions by giving them a story they can relate to. It is important they understand that others are going through the same thing, and that they are not responsible for their parent being imprisoned.

The books can also be used by parents, carers and teachers as a catalyst for discussing some of the issues affecting children with a parent in prison.

The series includes:

Danny’s Mum – Illustrated by Lesley Saddington.

The story of a young boy whose mother has been sent to prison. When six-year-old Danny’s mum goes to prison he doesn’t know what to do or who he can talk to. The book covers his feelings of loss and confusion. Through friends at school and others, Danny begins to talk about his mum and to look forward to her return.

Suitable for children aged 3-6 years.
Cover price £3.



Tommy’s Dad – Written by Emma Randle-Caprez and illustrated by Nick Sharratt.

The story of a young boy and his sister whose father is sent to prison. It explores their feelings of loss, anger and frustration at not being told what’s going on, until their mother finally decides to take them to see their dad.

Suitable for children aged 4-7 years.
Cover price £3.

Finding Dad – Written by Daniel Lee and illustrated by Korky Paul.

Finding Dad tells the story of 8-year-old James Orchard who turns detective to find out the truth about his dad, who disappears with the police early one morning. James’ mum will only say that he has gone on a secret mission, sending James off into his imaginary world as he tries to track dad down.

An audio CD, read by Michael Palin, is also available: price £4

Suitable for children aged 8-11 years.
Cover price £4.50.

For further information, other resources or to order a copy of the books, contact APF on Tel: 0208 812 3600 Email: info@actionpf.org.uk or write to: APF, Unit 21, Carlson Court, 116 Putney Bridge Road, London, SW15 2NQ.