Children of Imprisoned Parents: Reflections, Voices & Recommendations

Last week, I attended a moving conference focused on children with a parent in prison. The event drew strong political support, with Members of Parliament including Josh MacAlister (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families), Jake Richards (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice / Assistant Whip), and Kerry McCarthy (Labour MP for Bristol East) all present. Their attendance and engagement emphasised the urgency and significance of this issue.

This report summarises what resonated for me, what I learned, and offers suggestions for how policy, support services, and communities could respond.

What I Learned — Key Takeaways from the Panels

Panel 1: Adults Who Had a Parent in Prison as Children

Listening to adults who experienced parental imprisonment as children illuminated the long-term, often hidden impacts: emotional trauma, stigma, disrupted childhoods, and enduring insecurity. Their stories made clear that the effects of parental imprisonment ripple through life, influencing education, mental health, relationships, and self-identity.

Resilience was evident in their accounts—yet it was a resilience forged through adversity, often without the recognition and support needed.

·         Honest Communication: Hushed voices and secrecy undermined trust. “Children aren’t stupid — talk to them.” The absence of clear explanations led to lifelong struggles with trusting people and systems.

·         Anger and Confusion: Silence and confusion resulted in resentment—not only because of the parent’s imprisonment, but due to the lack of openness about it.

·         External Support Needed: Many children felt unable to talk to family members who were themselves struggling. Having a safe, supportive adult outside the immediate family was crucial.

·         Feeling Invisible: “Police raids at the weekend… and then school on Monday as if nothing had happened.” The lack of acknowledgement and help intensified their sense of isolation.

These testimonies are a direct call to everyone working with children and families: avoiding difficult conversations can cause deeper harm.

Panel 2: Young People with Lived Experience

The session with young people was especially powerful. Their voices highlighted the real, lived impact of parental imprisonment, which goes beyond what statistics can capture—fear, shame, hope, confusion, and a yearning for understanding.

·         Personalised Support: “We are not the same — we need different things.” Each child’s experience is unique; support must be tailored.

·         Consistent Engagement: “Don’t just ask once.” Children might not be ready to talk immediately, so ongoing check-ins are vital.

·         Proactive Help: “We are not going to ask — you should find us.” Children shouldn’t have to self-identify or request support.

·         Joined-Up Systems: Better communication between schools, social care, youth services, and the justice system is essential to prevent children from falling through the cracks.

·         Reducing Stigma: “We are not our family member. Don’t treat us like criminals.” Open conversations in schools and communities can help children feel less alone or ashamed.

·         Whole-Family Support: The effects of imprisonment touch the entire family—support should be holistic.

These young people were articulate, brave, and determined. Their insights are a clear guide for what needs to change.

The Presence of Marina Litvinenko

Another powerful voice came from Marina Litvinenko, widow of Alexander Litvinenko. She spoke about the impact of political imprisonment and persecution on families and children, reminding us that imprisonment is not always simply a criminal justice matter.

Her presence highlighted for me how precious it is to live in a country where people can speak openly and advocate for change — something not available to others around the world.

Her story reminds us that parental imprisonment isn’t always about criminal justice, it can be political. Children in these circumstances may face double vulnerability: trauma from loss/separation, and the complexity of political persecution, public scrutiny, identity crisis.

Hearing her speak felt like a call to recognise and design support systems that are inclusive and sensitive, for children of all imprisoned parents, whether the imprisonment is criminal or political.

Implications for Policy & Practice

·         Early Identification: Processes should be in place to identify affected children as soon as a parent enters custody.

·         Whole-Family Support: Interventions must address not just the child, but parents, caregivers, and siblings too.

·         Joined-Up Systems: Education, health, social care, police, probation, and prisons need to share information proactively.

·         Regular, Trauma-Informed Support: Ongoing, flexible, and tailored support is essential.

·         Stigma Reduction: Public awareness, school education, and professional training should all play a part.

·         Trusted Adult Access: Every child should have access to a supportive adult outside their immediate family.

·         Lived Experience Informs Policy: Policy-making should involve those who have direct experience of parental imprisonment.

Final Reflection

The conference left me feeling inspired, challenged, and hopeful. The voices of adults and young people with lived experience were a gift - a call to action. Children affected by parental imprisonment are often overlooked, but their needs are clear and urgent. We owe it to them to listen, act, and build systems that acknowledge their experiences and provide the support they deserve.