COPE has provided input for the UNHCR resolution 52/12 on mental health and human rights, with valuable contributions from COPE member Dr. Rodrigo J. Carcedo González from Universidad de Salamanca (Spain).
Drawing on EU-funded research, COPE highlighted how parental imprisonment is a recognised Adverse Childhood Experience and a risk factor that exposes children to physical and mental health difficulties, such as emotional instability, disruption in family contact, and stigma.
However, these challenges are seldom recognised. COPE identified several barriers that hinder effective support for children affected by a parent’s imprisonment:
- Information barriers: lack of data on the number of children affected by a parent’s imprisonment, limited understanding of the realities of prison life and insufficient knowledge of strategies to help mitigate the psychological impact on children.
- Structural barriers: lack of child-friendly visits, geographical distance between prisons and children and prioritisation of security over the child’s needs restrict meaningful parent-child contact.
- Psychological barriers: hostile prison environments and stigma compound distress and isolation.
COPE called for comprehensive and integrated measures to address these challenges. These include:
- Child-sensitive prison visits
- Improved mental health services, tailored to children with imprisoned parents, including psychological support for both children and caregivers upon prison entry and during imprisonment.
- Cross-sectoral coordination, involving criminal justice, education and welfare systems, so children have access to holistic support.
- Raising awareness
COPE also highlighted the need for broader frameworks, such as those endorsed by the EU Recommendation 2024/1238 on integrated child protection systems and by Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)5, both highlighting how integrated child protection systems can be developed and addressing the structural, psychological and informational gaps impacting children. These measures are vital to helping secure the mental health and well-being of children affected by a parent’s imprisonment.