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Prison Family Support works with prisoners alongside public protection at HMP Lewes to facilitate involvement with their children. Children are often in care proceedings or subject to adoption, or are looked after by an extended family member. We work with prisoners and external agencies to enhance the well-being of the child by giving their father an opportunity to be engaged in their lives despite being in prison. Resources We provide resources to dads, families and children to develop knowledge and awareness of what help is available and how to get it. We provide activity packs, craft resources, engagement toys and ideas to dads in custody to help them connect with their children. This could involve dads sending resources to their children and engaging in their lives as well as resources to facilitate visiting events Maintain Relationships We look to develop initiatives to help fathers maintain relationships with their children. For example, Prison Family Support facilitates photographs for prisoners with their child or family member. By enabling a child or family member to take a photograph home or similarly for a dad in custody to have a photograph to keep, relationships and a sense of belonging or connection can be encouraged. Memory boxes can also be facilitated in cases of adoption and for those family members who could be visiting the individual in prison for the last time. Play Workshop We are also in the process of creating a play workshop in partnership with prison education and the library in support of the HMPPS Reading Strategy to support positive communication, confidence in reading and 'learning to play' for the men who not only have no experience of playing with their children before being in custody but also had limited play experiences as a child themselves. Future Developments Future developments of our services and programs include: School and Children Services awareness - Outreach to teachers and social workers giving information about the processes of visiting a prison and the facilities available for children in a prison. Leaflets and information about how important maintaining contact (where appropriate), is for children when a parent is in prison. Working in partnership with Sussex Prisoners' Families to promote awareness. Producing worksheets that can be used by teachers to work with children who are impacted by imprisonment. Arranging visits for professionals to come into the prison to experience the visit process so they would be in a good position to support the children. Workbooks, 1:1's and group work in Conflict Resolution - creating a resource to support and inform prisoners who struggle with conflict in relationships. with authority and at home to learn about conflict resolution and positive communication. Support Our Programs At Prison Family Support, we rely on the generous support of individuals and organizations to fund our programs and services. Our Fundraising and Donations program offers a range of opportunities to get involved, from hosting fundraising events to making a donation. We believe that every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families. Apply now to support our work through fundraising and donations. |
PRISON FAMILY SUPPORT CIC
Registered Company number 1444553
Lewes, East Sussex
United Kingdon