Innocent Victims: recognising and supporting children affected by imprisonment. Sarah Roberts, November 2013 “I think it’d be good if teachers got a kind of lesson on how kids like me feel and what it’s like for us” Son of prisoner (14)

loss shock sadness loneliness anger fear

‘Disenfranchised grief’ … the grief experienced by those who incur a loss that is not, or cannot be, openly acknowledged, publicly mourned or socially supported. Doka (1999)

stigma shame

Impact of Imprisonment on Families Loss of income Loss of housing Victimisation Cost and logistics of transport Lack of information Little involvement in the decisions that affect them Increased risk of mental health issues

Increased risk of exclusion from school Increased risk of future imprisonment Higher risk of mental and physical health issues Mistrust of authority Being bullied or becoming the bully Problems at school Trauma of witnessing the arrest Keeping secrets or ‘going along with a lie’ Change of care-giver Children with a close relative in prison

“No one explained anything. I knew he was getting kept in, but I didn’t know where.” Daughter (12) “I’ve never talked to anyone at school about it…. I’m scared to.” Daughter (15) “Someone should have just asked me what was wrong (at school).” Son (19)

So what can teachers do? Savannah’s story and Kendon’s story

liaise with partner agencies; tell families about Families Outside challenge unhelpful attitudes encourage on-going contact between children and imprisoned parent s offer support to children affected help reduce bullying reach out to the parent in prison provide information for children affected actively build positive relationships with families be a community that is aware and supportive Schools can

Turning it around An integrated approach between education, social work, criminal justice and charities such as Families Outside can achieve: increased emotional well-being among children a decrease in harmful behaviour increased school attendance reduction in school exclusions increased engagement in school positive post-school destinations greater family engagement with the school and other agencies

Together we can: Help children become: successful learners confident individuals effective contributors responsible citizens Reduce re-offending Break the cycle of inter- generational offending