The Italian model “Memorandum of Understanding on children with imprisoned parents” (MOU), an agreement between the Italian Minister for Justice, the National Ombudsman for Childhood and Adolescence and COPE member NGO Bambinisenzasbarre, was originally signed in 2014. This agreement concerns the fulfillment and protection of the rights of children with imprisoned parents. Valid for two … Read More
Year: 2017
Exodus collaborates with Ombudswoman for Children to grant wishes of children of prisoners
Every six months, Exodus organises an expert meeting on the rights and wishes of children of prisoners. The goal is to realise ten wishes of children of prisoners, following a step-by-step process. A variety of organisations work together (prison system, police, schools, lawyers, youth care, probation service). One of the topics that has come up … Read More
Council for Penological Co-operation Summary Meeting Report
The Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) of the Council of Europe has published a Summary Meeting Report following the 14th meeting of the Working Group in Strasbourg, 30 January – 1 February 2017, in which two COPE experts participated to draw attention to the issue of children with imprisoned parents. Other topics discussed during the three-day … Read More
Save the date: COPE annual conference in Naples, Italy
Bambinisenzasbarre and Children of Prisoners Europe invite you to attend their international conference on supporting children with imprisoned parents in Naples, Italy on 19 May 2017. More details to follow.
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation
COPE began working in Strasbourg with the Council of Europe in late January 2017 to draft a Committee of Ministers Recommendation on Children with Imprisoned Parents. The Recommendation will be based on all aspects of the Italian Memorandum of Understanding that are relevant to prisons, including rights to visits; child-friendly spaces and information; supporting the child-parent relationship; prison officer … Read More
Children of prisoners briefing to States at United Nations, Geneva
As part of the Child Rights Connect working group on children of incarcerated parents, Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) co-organised and participated in an international briefing for Member States at the UN in Geneva on 1 February 2017. This event took place during the 74th session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child … Read More
Prison Inspectorate 2015/2016 Report in England and Wales
The Inspectorate of Prisons (England and Wales) report published in August 2016 acknowledged that maintaining family contact, where appropriate, is a “key source of support for prisoners during their time in custody and on their release”. The Inspectorate also recognised that: “maintaining contact with the imprisoned parents supports the children’s development: mentally, emotionally and in … Read More