Jail visit restrictions for male inmates unfair on children, says Barnardo’s

By Hayden Smith23rd August 2017News EnglandChild Protection, Childrens Services, Courts / Justice, Custodial Care, News England, Offenders, Prisons / Offenders

Rules on prison visits for male inmates punish their children unfairly, according to a leading charity.

Barnardo’s says some sons and daughters see their fathers for just two hours every four weeks under the regime.

The organisation’s chief executive Javed Khan said: “Restricting a child’s right to a family life by further limiting their relationship with their parent is cruel.

“The Government must address this now as maintaining family ties is essential for children’s emotional development and life chances.”

Sentenced prisoners are entitled to a minimum of two one-hour visits in every four-week period.

Inmates can earn more than the basic visitation allowance through good behaviour, participation in education and work programmes and commitment to rehabilitation.

Barnardo’s argues that the approach for men should mirror official guidelines for female inmates, which say children should not be penalised from visiting or contacting their mother because of her behaviour behind bars.

Around 200,000 children are affected by parental imprisonment each year in England and Wales, with youngsters making nearly 10,000 visits to public prisons a week, according to figures cited by Barnardo’s.

A Government-ordered review published earlier this month concluded that strong links between prisoners and their families are “indispensable” for delivering the Government’s plans for reforming the jail estate, which has been hit by surging levels of violence and self-harm.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: “We are committed to transforming prisons into places of safety and reform and we recognise the need to provide those in our custody with stable environments, as well as opportunities to change their behaviour and turn away from a life of crime.

“Relationships with families can play a key role in this.

“We have a dedicated strategy to help strengthen family ties, including giving governors flexibility over their budgets to support schemes that help offenders maintain these relationships.”