Rumours on the local grapevine or a change in main carer are often the ways an early years setting finds out a parent of one of their children has gone to prison – because it is shrouded in shame and embarrassment. This leads to a ‘hidden’ group of children who are left unsupported and distressed.
It is not known how many children in England and Wales are impacted by parental imprisonment as there is no statutory recording of it. According to children’s charity Barnardo’s, it is estimated there are up to 310,000 children every year in England and Wales separated from a parent because they are in prison. Research shows these children’s experiences can lead to poor physical and mental health, and significant trauma, especially as some will have witnessed criminal activity or the arrest of their parent.
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