Children with imprisoned parents need your support to allow their voices to be heard

 

Following last year’s CATS conference focusing on “Reaching for an inclusive world”, the 2018 edition will be centred on the theme of “Safe Together”. Chosen to focus on the importance of collaboration between age groups in creating safe environments for children, this theme includes a call to government officials, teachers, and others responsible who come in contact with children. However, emphasis will be placed on the child as an agent, rather than a victim.

Last year, thanks to the generous support of the COPE network, COPE was able to send two girls affected by parental imprisonment to the conference in Switzerland to participate and share their stories. Olivia, 16, shared what for her was an indescribable experience:

“Everyone asks me the same question about CATS and my reply is always ‘I can’t put it into words’…there are no words to explain the experience that COPE has given me being able to go to CATS. I look at everything from a completely different aspect. I am more open-minded, my heart is ten times bigger than it was already, I am able to tell other people about stories of meeting the most beautiful, kind-hearted souls that I have ever met who want to help in today’s society…”

Alex, 12, mentioned that during the conference her confidence grew, and that: “just knowing people were listening and cared about me and my story was the best feeling”. Alex would love to bring her sister with her to experience this year’s CATS conference and offer support to other children in similar situations, whether they have an imprisoned parent or family member, or if they can simply relate to the stories and feelings that they share. Children with imprisoned parents are often at a greater risk of experiencing violence, and the theme of “Safe Together” will open dialogue towards combatting this. Please consider contributing towards sending Alex and her sister to the conference in Switzerland this summer. They would greatly appreciate your generosity and support!

 

https://www.gofundme.com/support-children-of-prisoners