Action for Prisoners' Families: chief inspector of prisons: children of prisoners lack structured support
Friday, 08 Feb 2008 10:05
RESPONSE TO INSPECTORATE ANNUAL REPORT
Action for Prisoners’ Families has welcomed the annual report by Anne Owers, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales.
In particular, the report highlights that the needs of children and families of prisoners are still not being addressed in any structured or consistent way. Many prisons do not have a visitors’ centre, adequate facilities for babies and toddlers or family-friendly visiting arrangements. No prison makes it possible for inmates to receive calls and their distance from home very often inhibits visits. These are among the problems that APF has been campaigning for a long time to have redressed.
Prisoners’ children and their families need focused support from agencies. As Anne Owers recognizes, there is no systematic help available for them, no statutory safety net, and inadequate and short term funding for the voluntary and community organisations to which they can turn. There is a great deal of good practice and good will among those who work with children and families of prisoners, but it needs financial support and strategic steering from the centre.
Sarah Salmon
Assistant Director, Action for Prisoners’ Families
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