Fathers in prison and their participation in the education of their primary school aged children

Abstract

Approximately 150,000 children in the United Kingdom are separated from their imprisoned fathers. These separations are likely to have profound consequences for both parent and child; indeed it is now accepted that continuing family contact is a major positive force in the process of rehabilitation.

Despite this, little is known of the extent to which imprisoned fathers are informed about or able to participate in the education of their children. This study seeks to examine the facilities and systems in place to allow fathers to keep abreast of the academic progress of their primary school aged children, to participate in their education and therefore be involved in a crucial part of their lives. A major focus of the research will be to seek to discover the extent to which fathers, their children, schools and the Prison Service would welcome policy initiatives in this field.