REENTRY & RELATIONSHIPS Why should I speak out about the lasting impact of prison on individuals when society already stigmatizes them? The reality is that many people are unaware or indifferent to this issue. Even after release, many citizens often remain imprisoned in their minds, causing their families members to suffer from a form of mental imprisonment as well. I know this because, I’ve been that family member and I talk with other individuals several times a week. It's the same behavior in a different ZIP code. Seek to understand, not to deny - prison has side effects. #reentryandrelationships #wifeafterprison #postincarcerationsyndrome #postincarcerationawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealtheducation #prison #reentryprograms

REENTRY & RELATIONSHIPS Why should I speak out about the lasting impact of prison on individuals when society already stigmatizes them? The reality is that many people are unaware or indifferent to this issue. Even after release, many citizens often remain imprisoned in their minds, causing their families members to suffer from a form of mental imprisonment as well. I know this because, I’ve been that family member and I talk with other individuals several times a week. It's the same behavior in a different ZIP code. Seek to understand, not to deny - prison has side effects. #reentryandrelationships #wifeafterprison #postincarcerationsyndrome #postincarcerationawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealtheducation #prison #reentryprograms

Inside one of the Marofoto Prison eight ‘Quartier’. Human rights must be protected everywhere — even behind bars. 🌍 On #HumanRightsDay, we honor the stories of resilience and initiatives that bring dignity and hope to those often overlooked. Witness Change partnered with Handicap International in 2015 to document their . ‘A future world from detention to reinsertionʼ project for the prevention of psychological distress of detained people, and care of people with mental health problems in prison. From cultural and sporting activities to literacy programs and libraries, HI provides tools for learning, healing, and growth. They advocate for human rights, train prison staff to uphold dignity, and introduce programs that humanize the prison environment. These efforts not only address immediate mental health needs but also pave the way for reintegration into society with strength and resilience.

Attending prison as a professional, I have often found the experience intimidating, and can only imagine what this is like for children visiting imprisoned parents. At the same time, research suggests that it is in the best interests of the children and the prisoner to have regular contact. This report speaks to children and asks what they think; having child friendly waiting areas, allowing prisoners to wear their own clothing. Simple things can seemingly can make a big difference. Interesting read. #crime #criminallaw #expertwitness #legalaid #parentalimprisonment #psychology

📝 Building on a recent online consultation, COPE is pleased to share its latest report on children’s considerations and ideas on making prison spaces more child-friendly for children visiting their parent. Disseminated by COPE members and affiliates, the survey was responded to by forty-eight children across ten countries.    🗣️ Listening to children's experiences about having a parent in prison is crucial for developing effective and compassionate policies to better protect their rights. By amplifying their voices and the changes they wish to see, we can significantly improve children’s prison visiting experiences. When children visit a parent in prison, this often involves experiencing harsh and intimidating environments. These experiences often impact the quality of child-parent interactions.    What are some key recommendations from children? 📌 Make prison visitng rooms more welcoming, with coloured walls and materials or toys for children  📌 Allow outdoor activities while children are visiting a parent in prison  📌 Allow longer and more frequent visits  📌 Adapt prison enviornments so they meet the needs of children with neurodiverent conditions coming to see a parent Read more insights directly from children across Europe about the need for more welcoming and supportive prison environments, from the configuration of the visit rooms themselves to behaviour of the staff 👇 https://lnkd.in/dU2-G3fs #parentalimprisonment #childrensrights

What is life like for children with a parent in prison serving a long-term sentence? A long-term sentence is any sentence longer than 8 years for women and 10 years for men. Children of parents serving a long-term sentence make up 20% of the 450+ children we currently support. Many children will understandably miss their parents, only getting to see them on occasional prison visits. Longer sentences often come with more serious crimes with higher levels of social stigma, for example sexual offences or violent crimes. Children may struggle to understand the circumstances of their parent’s arrest, whilst parents and carers may find it difficult to explain why their parent is gone. Stigma can also make it difficult for children to talk to others about their parent and to process their feelings around their parent’s arrest. Children with a parent in prison may also face judgement, bullying and social isolation from other children at school. Where children have themselves been victims of a parent’s offence or been witness to a crime, children may have a separate, additional trauma to reckon with. Not all children face all or any of these problems, but for those who do and want support, they should be able to access it. Our Model School Policy: Parental Imprisonment outlines how we can best support children with a parent in prison in the school environment. To find out more, check out the Model School Policy using the link below: https://lnkd.in/ecthKkHj

ACTION ALERT: Hold Red Onion State Prison accountable for harsh treatment of incarcerated people! @NASWVA needs your voice! As #socialworkers, we've joined with allied organizations in the VA Coalition on #SolitaryConfinement to demand accountability and change at Red Onion State Prison to stop mentally and physically harmful treatment of its incarcerated population such as keeping individuals in prolonged solitary confinement with no #mentalhealth support. These people also are subjected to dehumanizing treatment. Call now and be a voice for justice! Call Red Onion State Prison at (276) 796-7510 and demand the following: 1. An immediate Investigation into the incidents of self-harm such as self-inflicted burnings and conditions leading to these tragedies. 2.Transparency regarding the use of solitary confinement and the prison’s mental health policies. 3. Humane treatment of all incarcerated individuals, ensuring their basic rights are respected. #PleaseShare #RedOnionCrisis #EndSolitary

From Corbett Network member Women in Prison: Women are being criminalised while pregnant, and as a result of domestic abuse and mental ill-health, and then re-traumatised by our prisons, which are not a safe place for women. We know that the answer is not prison. As we call for the prioritisation of prevention, not prison, we look forward to working with the new ministers to reduce the women's prison population and end the harm of the criminal justice system on women's lives.

Investing in prison reform is crucial, but have we considered that focusing on preventing youth from entering the system might be even more effective? By enhancing education, community support, and job training, we address the root causes of criminal behavior. While internal prison programs are important, they sometimes feel like just a temporary fix. Prioritizing prevention over reform will save youth lives.

📃 Supporting Prisoners on Early Release We’ve produce guidance to help support prisoners on early release. This includes information around how they can access NHS services and support available to help people adjust to life outside of prison. Click below to download the full document👇 https://lnkd.in/eyNVBNZT