More than 80,000 children have a father in prison

More than 80,000 children will be separated from their dad on
Father’s Day this Sunday as a result of imprisonment,
writes Clare Jerrom.

The prison population is soaring and although the Home Office
does not collate statistics as to what percentage of the prison
population are fathers, conservative estimates indicate at least
80,000 children are affected.

Director of Action for Prisoners Families Lucy Gampbell said:
“Sunday will be a most poignant reminder of the loss children
are suffering and the pain they are going through.”

Research by the organisation found that children:-

• Experience difficulties at school

• Suffer mental health problems and emotional distress

• Experience difficulties visiting their father

Action for Prisoners’ Families is calling for all prisons
to introduce special children’s visits and to reduce the many
obstacles children face to keep in touch with their imprisoned
father.