'Heartbreak' of inmates' children

Reoffending rates are lower if inmates maintain contact with families

Children with a parent in prison in Devon are three times more likely to be at risk of developing anti-social behaviour or mental health problems.

A report by Barnardo's South West said children suffer "hidden heartbreak", including the distress of leaving a parent after a prison visit.

The research, involving a study of 15 families in the county, was carried out by Dr Owen Gill from the charity.

The charity has called for support groups for children and families.

Dr Gill described the children and partners of prisoners as an "invisible" group.

Children of prisoners should be given support to deal with the loss of a father and the impact of stigma Dr Owen Gill

"We already know that children of prisoners have an increased likelihood of themselves ending up in prison, but many families find services are hard to reach."

An estimated 160,000 children in the UK will experience having a parent in prison in the course of any one year.

As well as the emotional distress, the report's author identified a number of other pressures, including decreased financial resources and the stigma of being associated with a criminal.

One mother said her 12-year-old daughter's schoolwork deteriorated, she began truanting and fell out with her friends.

Another spoke of the impact of a prison visit on her 10-year-old son: "He tries to hold back the tears but you can see he's unhappy.

"He doesn't like leaving his dad there."

Bernardo's South West has called for practical advice around housing and finances, support groups for families and children and help with visiting arrangements and childcare.

Increased poverty

The charity would also like to see a systematic collation of data on the children of prisoners so that services can be effectively targeted.

"In seeking support and a better deal for prisoners' families, Barnardo's is not condoning the action of criminals," Dr Gill said.

"But the children of prisoners should be given support to deal with the loss of a father and the impact of stigma and increased poverty.

Dr Gill said prisoners who maintain links with their families on the outside, and who are brought back together on release, are less likely to offend.

"That's much better for the individuals concerned - and much better for society as well," he added.