Barnardo’s Family Ties

Parenting Matters is a project that has been working in Northern Ireland prisons since 1996. It offers support to parents in custody as well as children and families in the community. They work inside prison with parents in custody at HMP Maghaberry and Magilligan and HMP Hydebank Wood women’s prison and young offenders centre. Their work includes group based programs to explore issues for children and families at all stages of imprisonment – from remand to release. One on one support is also available on request.

Parenting Matters also works with families outside of prison, with the parents and caregivers to better equip them to address the impact of imprisonment on the children and they work with children to help with visits to the prison by providing child-friendly areas and by allowing families to engage in normal activities, like a family meal or engaging in play activities.