Stop punishing prisoners’ kids
RULES restricting kids’ visits to dads in jail must change, says a charity.
Barnardo’s believes making prisoners earn family visits is unfair on children.
The charity revealed how only cons showing positive and motivated behaviour can see their kids more than two hours every four weeks.
Speaking ahead of Father’s Day, Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan, said: “Children’s relationships with their fathers are vital for their emotional development.
“We have been urging the Government to scrap this unjust scheme which punishes children for nearly two years. We were told it was under review and that a consultation would follow – yet children are still suffering. This is unacceptable, the Government must take urgent action.” Currently male prisoners have to earn enhanced status through good behaviour to get more than minimal visits. Between 2012 and 2014, the number of cons on basic status rose 52 per cent but those on enhanced fell 16 per cent. One mum, from Chelmsford, Essex, whose son, aged eight, was struggling to cope with his dad being jailed, sought help from Barnardo’s. She said: “We needed that expert help. Children find it hard to understand why their dad, who they love, has been taken away from them. “Their emotions become very confused and it was so upsetting when my son started to hurt himself. Just being able to talk about issues was such a huge help.”