Separation and distress
85% of mums in prison have not been separated from their children before
Prison has a huge impact on women and their children - the separation and anxiety cause real distress. Most women are held far from their homes and visits can be intimidating for children. Many mums tell us that worries about their children are their biggest concern.
Most women should not be in prison
The majority of women are held for non-violent offences
The vast majority of women in prison pose no threat to the public. They are more likely to be at risk themselves – from abusive partners, from homelessness, from poverty, from mental illness, from drug or alcohol use. The government has recognised that prison is not an appropriate place for many women and has made a commitment to reduce the number of women being sent to prison. More action should be taken to make sure this happens.
Impact on children
Only 5% of children stay in their home if their mother is sent to prison
Children who have to leave their homes may have to change school, they may be looked after by family members or they may be taken into care. Children may face stigma and bullying. Children whose mothers are in prison are a vulnerable group, a point the government recognised in it 2007 review on the children of offenders. Providing support to the family as a whole can help to limit this impact.
Release and reunification
What happens once women have served their sentence? Leaving prison can be a very stressful time for mums - finding housing and work or training at the same time as building new relationships with their children.
All departments of the government need to work together to meet the needs of mothers in prison and their children both in prison and on release back into the community. The government should improve access to housing, support for family reunification and support for women offenders and their children.
Housing
41% of women do not have any housing on release
Without a safe home their children cannot come back to live with them – prolonging separation and distress. Women should have access to stable, safe accommodation so they are not separated from their children after release.
Support
One-to-one support can help mums leaving prison to make a stable home for their children and plan for their future.
Children’s services
Professionals who work with children should have an understanding of the impact of imprisonment on mothers and their children and be trained in how best to support children effected by their mother’s imprisonment.
Take action!
We are calling on the government to make sure that women and their children get the support they need on release.
- Send a card
Fold it and sign it
Send it by Saturday 21 March to
Mr Ed Balls
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
OR
Hazel Blears MP
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government
Eland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5DU
Don’t forget to include your name and address and let us know if you get a response!
- Sign our petition
We are asking the the Prime Minister to take action to meet the needs of mothers in prison and their children.
You can sign our petition here:
- Encourage others to get involved
The more people who respond the more the government will listen – so encourage others to join in.
Thank you for taking part!
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