Family Engagement in European Prisons: Research, Training Gaps, and Innovative Practices

CRS2025 Presentation by Rhianon Williams and Willem-Paul de Gast (CRS2025-PID056)

Authors

Rhianon Williams

Director, Interchange, Germany

Rhianon is the founder of Interchange Non-Profit gUG, and as such develops and coordinates projects that respond to existing and emerging needs of prison and probation staff. Interchange exists to support national and European exchange on common issues ranging from the impact of mental health on vocational attainment to promoting civil engagement for effective post release reintegration. The aim is to reduce the societal impact of reoffending by giving people in the prison system chances for vocational inclusion on release. Rhianon also supports engagement of NGOs and volunteers in successful vocational resettlement, opening prison doors to the community. Here, the aim is to learn from peers, colleagues and communities across Europe and provide higher quality rehabilitation and reintegration services across Europe.

Willem-Paul de Gast

Social Worker, Hoppenbank e.V., Germany

Willem-Paul de Gast is a 45-year-old teacher from Bremen. His dedication to social work began in 2015 when a large wave of Syrian refugees arrived in Europe. Since then, he has worked as a German teacher and social worker in Bremen and surrounding area in northern Germany. After several years of working with underage refugees, he shifted his focus in 2024 and now works for Hoppenbank e.V. There, he is involved in establishing a Parent-Kids group aimed at creating a more family-sensitive environment within the prison system.

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