Pact responds to Government announcement on children with a parent in prison

The Government has today (Wednesday 8 July) set out proposals to do more to support children and young people with parents in prisons.

In response, Andy Keen-Downs, CEO of Pact said:

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to do more to identify and support children with a parent in prison. For too long, these children have been hidden in plain sight, facing significant challenges through no fault of their own. This is the first time we have seen ministers take meaningful action to recognise these children and ensure they are not overlooked by the services that should be there to support them.

“This announcement about joining up information between services is an important step forward and will help to stop children falling through the cracks. However, identification alone is not enough. These proposals seem to offer little detail about the support that will be provided to children once they have been identified. Children and young people of all ages must be supported – in schools and other settings - by trained adults they can trust.

“Our Young Pact Ambassadors – young people with lived experience of having a parent in prison – will be scrutinising these proposals. Ministers are to be commended for listening to the voices of children and young people up until this point and we are delighted that they have given assurance that they will continue to do so. It is vital that no child gets left behind.”