Young Children Affected by Parental Imprisonment
The Early Years Scotland Young Children Affected by Parental Imprisonment Programme takes place in six prisons across the country. This include HMP Low Moss, HMP Greenock and HMP Barlinnie, HMP Edinburgh, HMP Stirling and most recently HMP Perth. The programme has two components which includes the Early Years Scotland Fathers’ Programme and Learning Together Through Play sessions.
The Fathers’ Programme covers topics such as brain development, attachment and bonding, child development, health and wellbeing, children’s rights, home safety, the importance of play and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). The play sessions provide opportunities for imprisoned parents and their young children and families to interact, improve bonding, attachment, confidence and play and learn together.
Most of all, these services provide valuable opportunities for children to continue the bond and relationship with their father or mother, while they are in prison.
Fathers’ Programme
The Fathers’ Programme comprises a mix of theoretical and interactive sessions aimed at supporting fathers to help achieve better outcomes for their children. Fathers are supported to build their skills, knowledge and confidence, all of which can then be implemented during Learning Together Through Play sessions which take place when their children come to visit. This part of the programme lasts for two hours for a block of ten sessions at a time. Almost all parents report that participation in the programme improves and strengthens their overall relationship with their child and family.
Learning Together Through Play Sessions
These sessions are available to those who have completed, or are currently undertaking the Fathers’ Programme, their young children and others involved in the child’s care. These sessions enable fathers to practise the skills gained during the Fathers’ Programme. They then use these skills to ensure that their child benefits through play, improved interactions and a more enjoyable experience when they visit their father in prison. These fun and interactive play sessions include support from the Early Years Scotland qualified Family Engagement Practitioner through role modelling by; demonstrating and encouraging families to participate in singing, action songs, rhymes, reading stories, messy play, arts and crafts learning experiences and free play sessions for children using a selection of resources.
Mothers’ Programme
The Mothers’ Programme can be delivered between a 5 – 10-week period, either in small groups or individually. The programme comprises a mix of theoretical, interactive sessions alongside arts and crafts and wellbeing sessions aimed at building knowledge, skills, wellbeing and confidence which can be implemented during visit sessions. The programme can also be tailored to individual needs prior to their release from prison, to work on improving current and future parent child relationships. The Family Engagement Practitioner supports women who are pregnant and also supports contact sessions with mothers and their children.
EYS Family Visitor Centre at HMP Low Moss
The Scottish Government has a commitment to ensure all prisons in Scotland have a Family Visitor Centre to support children and families affected by imprisonment.
Opened in late 2017, the EYS Family Visitor Centre at HMP Low Moss is a safe space for families and friends to relax before their visit and access independent and impartial advice and information to support families affected by imprisonment. Early Years Scotland is working in partnership with HMP Low Moss, and we are proud to provide this service.
The service is open: Monday – Friday, 12.00pm – 7.30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1.00pm – 4.30pm.
Contact the centre on 0141 762 9703. Email: [email protected]