After a long wait, the Time to Act, How to Act conference, co-hosted by COPE member Exodus, took place on 12 November, in Leiden, allowing people to come together and connect “for real” for the first time in two years while providing virtual participation. The hybrid conference focused on cross-sectoral work, crucial to ensuring that children who have a parent in conflict with the law receive quality support at all stages of law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
Exodus Director Jan van Gils and former COPE President Ria Wolleswinkel opened the event, sharing their pride in hosting the conference in the Netherlands and underscoring the importance of learning and sharing good practices across Europe. Researcher Angela Verhagan (AVANS academy, Expertisecentrum KIND) spoke about her work on contact between imprisoned fathers and their children, how restoring the bond can be a protective factor, and the need for a national development framework to share the voices of children more broadly. Exodus’ Marieke van Zwam and Bill Muth of Hope House USA co-presented on their summer camp initiatives that allow children to stay at a camp near the prison and visit their parent in prison during the day, enabling children to spend longer periods of time with their parent. COPE representatives Maja Gabelica Šupljika, Deputy Ombudsperson for Children in Croatia, and Ewelina Startek, Probacja Poland, spoke about the stigma these children often experience, exploring how stakeholders across the law enforcement and criminal justice spectrum can help support and emphasising the need for a holistic approach.
The wide range of children’s experiences was illustrated in a moving video produced by Probacja. Roundtables with the participation of young persons impacted by parental imprisonment were organised during the afternoon.
