From Impact to Action: Supporting CYP with a Parent in Prison

Every child has the right to feel safe, supported, and heard. When a parent goes to prison, that right can be at risk. Children may experience confusion, anxiety, sadness, anger, or shame. Relationships with friends, school, and extended family can change overnight, while practical challenges such as moving home, financial instability, or adjusting to a new caregiver add further strain. For some, stigma and unwanted attention—especially when cases are reported in the media—deepens the sense of isolation. Too often, these impacts go unseen by professionals, leaving children without the understanding and support they need.

This accredited one-day training equips practitioners with the knowledge and tools to recognise and respond to these challenges. The morning (10-12.30pm) focuses on exploring the emotional, social, and educational impact of parental imprisonment, as well as safeguarding concerns including children witnessing arrest, sudden changes in their homelife, and the risks of media exposure. Participants will work through real-life case studies to better understand the hidden pressures faced by children and how professionals can respond with sensitivity and support.

In the afternoon, (1-3pm) participants will be trained to use our co-produced workbook, developed with young people who have lived experience of parental imprisonment, alongside a suite of practical resources including crib sheets, activity sheets, and school policy templates.

Delivered online for accessibility, this course is aimed at professionals across education, social care, health, youth services, voluntary organisations, and the criminal justice system. By the end of the day, participants will feel confident in supporting children in their own settings, identifying safeguarding needs early, and ensuring that voices too often silenced are heard, respected, and valued.

Further to this, participants will be invited to join the Parental Imprisonment network and be part of a community with these exciting aims:

• Connect with colleagues who have completed CHaS's training to share best practices, exchange valuable knowledge, and discuss the latest research.
• Engage in a supportive and reflective environment to celebrate successes, tackle challenges, and share essential resources.
• Gain access to exclusive, specially tailored resources that are not widely available.
• Participate in interactive workshops that provide practical tools for utilising these specialised resources.
• Contribute to developing best practices in the quality of interventions offered to children impacted by parental imprisonment.
• Amplify the collective voice of practitioners who are dedicated to advocating for children affected by parental imprisonment.

Why is it important to support children and young people with a parent in prison? Watch this short video to understand the impacts on children and thier families