An estimated 2.1 million children across Europe have a parent in prison. In addition to being separated from their parent, these children may also experience stigma, trauma and anxiety, which can have an impact on their well-being and development.
Year: 2016
Council of Europe Strategy on the Rights of the Child (2016-2021)
The Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child provides a plan from 2016-2021 to improve upon and develop child rights legislation. Following the European Convention on Human Rights and the principles of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)—non-discrimination, best interests of the child, right to life, survival and … Read More
COPE launches in-school initiative as crowdfunding campaign
We have launched a new schools-based fundraising initiative to benefit children separated from a parent in prison, raising money through a GlobalGiving crowdfunder. Can you help us reach our target of $7500? We could really use your support. MAKE A DONATION TODAY Across Europe, some 2.1 million children have a parent in prison. They suffer emotional, social and economic difficulties and … Read More
Research: Children with Imprisoned Parents in Latvia
Anna Krasanova LL.M, Senior Lawyer of the Children’s Rights Division of the Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Latvia, has published research entitled “Research of the Situation Regarding the Right of the Children of Imprisoned Persons to Contact with Their Parents in Latvia”. In a bid to assess whether the situation of children with imprisoned … Read More
Quality of Childhood session on children of prisoners
On 10 January 2017, MEP Julie Ward and the Brussels-based Alliance for Children European Network Group are planning a two-hour Quality of Childhood (QoC) session at the European Parliament devoted to the issue of children with imprisoned parents. COPE has been invited to co-organise the session. The QoC session will provide a good opportunity to … Read More
Poland: COPE advocacy and research mission
October 2016 “I use Skype to speak to my 11 year old son” – the effective use of this telecommunications tool was one of the first things we learnt when speaking to a female inmate from the Śledczy Grochów prison in Warsaw. The fifteen-minute weekly Skype session is granted in addition to the one hour … Read More
Pact secures ALP accreditation
Last month, COPE member Pact secured ALP (Accrediting Learning Professionally) accreditation with Skills for Justice for three of their prison-based relationship and parenting programmes (Building Stronger Families, Building Bridges and Time to Connect). Pact is now a Skills for Justice Approved Awards Centre. For more information: http://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/news/prison-relationship-education-parenting-courses-now-accredited-skills-justice CEO, Andy Keen-Downs, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Pact’s … Read More
European Custody and Detention Summit
14-15 November 2016 Tower of London Complete with workshops, roundtables and technology demonstrations, the European Custody & Detention Summit is a unique forum bringing together custody providers and policymakers to share perspectives, best practice and innovations. Sessions include: Transforming Global Custody; Mental health and police detention; Restorative justice in intercultural settings; Supporting Women in Custody and … Read More
Separated Children in Judicial Proceedings
On 27 and 28 October 2016, COPE member Rachel Brett spoke at the Separated Children in Judicial Proceedings conference in Brussels, which was hosted by the Committee of Regions. Rachel’s plenary presentation focused on trans-European perspectives on cross-border justice for children and COPE’s previous collaboration with the AIRE Centre on a joint third party intervention … Read More
Advocating for children with imprisoned parents: A frame-reflective approach
The COPE network is pioneering a frame-reflective approach to advocacy on behalf of children with imprisoned parents, looking at how messages are being communicated and the import of language. Expert meetings have been organised to lay out the theoretical framework with respect to working with children affected by parental incarceration and to developing a specific … Read More