The Belgian Red Cross network “Itinérances,” which has been supported by the Houtman Funds (ONE) since 2003, accompanies children with incarcerated parents on prison-visits in the Walloon area of Belgium and Brussels. The network has grown considerably since its creation. In 2011, 202 volunteers accompanied 249 children as part of nearly 1,500 visits. These initiatives allow children to maintain a relation with their imprisoned parent.
Between 2009 and 2011, seven thesis dissertations were carried out within the Social Psychology Unit (Pr Azzi) as well as the Service of Psychology and Family Development of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The purpose of such projects is to assess the “Itinérances” network.
The findings of the assessment were presented on Tuesday, 5th June 2012 at
Domaine ONE de La Hulpe (Avenue de la Reine 1 at 1310 La Hulpe – Belgium).
For subscription or further details please contact, the Houtman Funds: 0032 2 543 11 76 or via their email address: info@fondshoutman.be.
More information on the “Itinérances” network is available in journal n°12 of the Houtman Funds (published September 2011):
As a reminder: the Houtman Funds supported several actions within and outside French-speaking prisons and also academic research on the theme of children with imprisoned parents: Prof. D. Kaminski (UCL) and P. Reman (Foundation Travail-Université)). These actions and this research can be found in journal n°3 of the Houtman Foundation.
Relevant tools include two documentary movies:
– The first one is geared to professionals: « Car tu porteras mon nom », by Sébastien Verkindere, production Agit. Prod. S.A. The film is available on the Fonds Houtman website (www.fondshoutman.be- in French subtitled in English), the DVD—available in French only—is available upon request to the Fonds Houtman at the following address: cbornauw@fondshoutman.be The Fonds Houtman wishes to thank Eurochips for having subtitled the film.
– The second movie is geared for the general public: « Pourquoi on ne peut pas se voir dehors quand il fait beau », by Bernard Bellefroid, coproduction Les Films du Fleuve and Wallonie Image Production.