This campaign has now closed
It can be tough for children with a parent in prison. Nepacs volunteers support children & families visiting prisons in the northeast, provide support for children and plan special family play days. Fun, food and craft activities provide positive family memories throughout the year and at Christmas.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Children and young people often find they serve their own 'hidden sentence' when a parent is in prison. If family ties are broken, and they have no contact with a parent in prison, it can have a long-lasting and detrimental impact on their wellbeing. They are twice as likely to experience mental health problems, poor educational attainment and are increasingly likely to engage in anti-social behaviour and substance misuse. An alarming 65% of boys with a convicted father will go on to offend.
Solution
Family visits promote positive, secure attachments between the child and the parent in prison. It offers reassurance that their parent is OK and still loves them, this is key to the child being able to cope with their experience. Nepacs support children and young people in these situations through dedicated play areas and youth zones with equipment keeping them occupied and reassurance during visits. Our own mascot 'Buddy' the dog also offers a welcome and familiar face to younger children.
