Children’s Links has taken its unique approach to play and developed it into a
format suitable for use in prisons.  During the last four years we have focused
on working with prisons to develop family visits. These visits give prisoners
and their children the opportunity to spend quality time together by providing
high quality play opportunities within the prison setting.

This work was developed as a result of research that showed that prisoners
who maintain contact with their families are up to six times less likely to
re-offend – yet over 70% of prisoners’ primary relationships break down due
to the strains and difficulties caused by imprisonment
(Centre for Social Justice 2006). With an estimated 160,000 children with
a parent in prison (Ibid Prison Reform Trust 2008), the importance of this
kind of work is clear.

As part of our Family Learning project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund,
we have developed an excellent working relationship with a number of
B, C and D category prisons.  This work includes the regular running of
family visits, training prison staff in play work and promoting the value
of these visits.

We are always keen to extend the programme into new prisons.  If you would
like any further information regarding the project, please contact
Beth Horwood, Family Learning Officer on 07507 494813 or email
beth.satterly@childrenslinks.org.uk.