PACT HELPS TO PROMPT LORDS DEBATE ON PRISONERS' CHILDREN
A recent debate in the House of Lords focussed on the issues surrounding mothers in prison.
The debate was triggered by our Agenda for Action, a campaigning document created jointly by pact, Action for Prisoners' Families, the Prison Reform Trust and Clinks. The charities are together calling for more support for prisoners' families and children.
Andy Keen-Downs, pact's Director, says, "Lord Hunt's recognition on behalf of the government that there is a need to gather statistics on children with an imprisoned parent is an important first step which we welcome, and we look forward to hearing about their progress."
"We also welcome the discussion on women prisoners and the vital need to implement recommendations from the Corston report."
"We urge the government however to also recognise that maintaining family relationships between children and fathers and other relatives in prison is extremely important, both for the sake of the children's development and well-being, but also as a means to aid resettlement and reduce re-offending."
He adds, "Action is needed now to support prison governors, whose budgets are being cut at a time of record overcrowding, to respond to this need."
"Governors and charities like pact can work together in partnership to deliver what is needed, but services are under threat."
Read Hansard's report of the debate