Family Links
Formerly called the Family Imprisonment Parenting Programme (FIPP)
The programme involves two core elements: increased awareness and support amongst prison staff on the importance of prisoners maintaining good family relationships, and delivery of a bespoke parent education programme for parents in prison and their partners.
A review of the programme found that:
- Family Links enhanced empathy for parents amongst prison staff, and raised awareness in relation to the benefits of a child friendly prison.
- Participants found that communication with their children improved; empathy for each other enhanced, and for the women, an acceptance that self care is important.
- Families experience stigma; isolation and financial strain.
- Imprisoned Fathers struggle with their identity as a father and as a prisoner.
- Communication improved between fathers and mothers after the course.