Practice Transfer Focus 2024
Parenting from Prison and Engaging Families
People who maintain positive family ties while in prison are less likely to reoffend on release, but why?
What is the evidence base for improved outcomes following greater family connections?
What do we know now, and what more do we need to know to make such an approach work in practice?
Relationships and their impact of change have been described as the ‘golden thread’ that is essential to prison reform (Farmer, 2017). The impact of family connection and parenting has often been overlooked in the design of prisons, focused on safety, security, and more formal rehabilitation.
In 2024, PTAC is focused on the concept of family engagement in prison and post-release with the goal of deepening and improving understanding of what good practice looks like in this area and how jurisdictions can learn from one another to improve their engagement of families of prisoners.
PTCA conducted a comprehensive survey examining family engagement initiatives across multiple jurisdictions, both during incarceration and post-release periods. The detailed findings from this survey are accessible below:
Survey Findings
Learning Academy 2023: Parenting from Prison: Engaging Families in Supporting Reintegration
In November 2023, PTAC held a Learning Academy session featuring three expert speakers who shared their experiences and insights on supporting family connections for incarcerated individuals.
Corin Morgan-Armstrong began by presenting the Invisible Walls program at HMP Parc in Wales, which launched in 2006. He outlined how the program transformed prison visits, established a Family Interventions Unit, and developed a mentoring system. The presentation highlighted how the program had evolved and helped other facilities implement family-focused initiatives.
Louise Leonardi then discussed the Dad HERO program, initiated in 2015 by the Canadian Families and Corrections Network. The program focused on enhancing parenting skills and family connections for incarcerated fathers. She detailed the program's successful implementation, including its evidence-based curriculum and sustainable practices.
Professor Nancy Loucks OBE concluded the session with a research-based perspective on family ties and recidivism. As Chief Executive of Families Outside, she emphasized the importance of viewing family support beyond just rehabilitation purposes, advocating for children's rights and protection. Her presentation encouraged a more holistic approach to supporting families affected by imprisonment.