How can we make prison spaces more child-friendly for children visiting a parent?
Children’s responses to an online consultation with Children of prisoners Europe (COPE)
Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) previously estimated that approximately 5,000 children were impacted by parental imprisonment in Ireland each day, with an annual impact on 10,000 children and young people. Ireland has no publicly available data on the number of children affected, but with the increase in the prison population, with the majority of committals to prison for short sentences of 12 months or less. it is predicted that these numbers have significantly increased.
Like every other child, a child with a parent in prison has the right to participate in decisions that affect them, but many prison administrations, decision-makers, and stakeholders are slow to acknowledge this right. Despite increasing awareness of parental imprisonment, consistent and effective practices catering to the needs of children are still lacking.
Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) is a pan-European network working with and on behalf of children with imprisoned parents. They aim to strengthen child safeguarding policies and practices in prison facilities across Europe. In 2024, COPE launched a consultation with children on their experiences and thoughts on visiting prisons.
Between February and May 2024, 48 children from 10 countries responded to COPE’s online survey, with three children from Ireland engaging in the survey. The survey results provides insight into what children find important. More than half the child participants (56 per cent) were girls and 42 per cent were boys, with most aged between eight and 15. Seven respondents belonged to national minority groups, including ethnic or religious minorities, and five reported having special needs (psychological, mental, or other).
The survey completed by three children in Ireland involved two girls and one boy aged eight to 14 years. One of the participants was from the Traveller community. The impact of paternal imprisonment was felt by all participants, with two residing with their mother and one living with their grandparent.
Examples of what children from Ireland highlighted about their experience of visiting a parent in Irish prisons in their own words:
“My autistic brother is unable to visit my dad in prison”.
(Traveller Girl aged 14 years)
“Prisons should be less scary, you make me feel like I have done something wrong and you do not like my dad or trust my grandmother when she takes me to visit my dad”
(Young boy aged 8)
Children were asked to rate the importance of various aspects relating to prison visits on a scale ranging from ‘not important at all’ to ‘very important.’ While many of the priorities are reflected in the key recommendations, others included practical steps like their parents being able to wear their own clothes, children being allowed to leave the visiting area before their imprisoned parent, prison staff wearing less formal clothing and ensuring greater access to technology to stay in touch with their parent in prison.
Children’s key recommendations
- Change the configuration of visiting rooms.
The children proposed the idea of adding brightly coloured walls, offering a wide range of toys, and providing materials for drawing and other creative activities. These changes aim to establish a more child-friendly, inviting, and less daunting atmosphere for children, ultimately enhancing their visits and making them more enjoyable and interactive for both the children and their parents.
- Children wish to be treated with greater respect and kindness by prison staff.
It is vital to have customised training programs for prison staff to meet this need. This shows the importance of specialised training for prison staff (preferably with collaboration from professionals in different sectors like social workers) to ensure they are ready to address the emotional and psychological needs of children with a parent in prison.
- Allow more outdoor activities between children and their parent.
Offering chances for outdoor activities in prisons can greatly improve the connection between children and their parents, ultimately strengthening their relationship.
- Ensure that children have access to longer and more frequent prison visits.
This can help support deeper and more meaningful connections, creating a stronger sense of consistency and security in their relationships.
- Facilitate the course of the meeting between the child and the parent.
Irregular visits can lead to tension and unease. In light of this, children proposed having trained social workers/social care worker or youth workers present to help both the parent and child get ready for the meeting.
- Clearly explain to children what is happening.
It’s really important for children to know and understand what is going on when they visit. Giving them clear and age-appropriate explanations can make a big difference in helping them feel less scared and confused.
- Making access to prison easier for children with physical needs or neurodivergent conditions.
Barriers that prevent easy access not only make it physically challenging but also add emotional stress and frustration. Prison services should make every effort to provide adequate facilities and support to accommodate all visitors, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Children also asked adults to stop:
- Forbidding physical touch.
Many children have expressed the importance of receiving physical affection from their parents, especially little children who rely on touch for comfort and reassurance. Hugs and holding hands are essential in fostering a strong bond between children and their parents. Encouraging these interactions can uphold a feeling of closeness and emotional stability, which are crucial for a child’s overall health. Hence, it is necessary to adapt policies to allow suitable physical contact during visits.
- Behaving in a strict and unfriendly way towards them.
The majority of children highlighted this point, showing that it is crucial for prison staff to receive training on how to interact with children and their parents in a kind and respectful manner. This training could lead to a more positive and emotionally supportive atmosphere, ultimately reducing stress and promoting a feeling of safety and empathy.
- Using drug dogs during security checks.
Drug dogs can make children feel scared and nervous. Their presence can make a visit overwhelming instead of being a comfort to them. It’s important to explore other security options to make sure children feel at ease.
- Mistreating the imprisoned parent when the child is present.
Another important point highlighted by some of the children is for prison staff to treat people in prison with respect and care as it is a crucial step in safeguarding the emotional well-being of the child.
- Threatening children with the prospect of imprisonment if they don’t behave well.
This common threat can harm a child’s mental well-being, causing them to feel scared and anxious for no reason. Children should be supported and praised instead of being threatened, which could leave lasting emotional wounds and a feeling of despair.
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IPRT would like to thank all the children from Ireland who took part in the survey. Their voices are so important in enabling IPRT to carry out our advocacy work and we will continue to advocate on their behalf. We hope that more young people will take part in future surveys.
We would also like to thank all the organisations who supported these children in taking part in this survey and for the continuous support they provide to children and families impacted by imprisonment.
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