European Commission written question and response

In April 2015, Jean Lambert MEP tabled a Written Question to the European Commission on behalf of Children of Prisoners Europe. The question, entitled “The multiple ways in which a parent’s imprisonment adversely impacts the rights of children and the EU’s commitment to ensuring that these rights are respected”, was written with the participation of COPE following a meeting with Ms Lambert in Strasbourg in March. The Question focused on children of imprisoned parents in relation to the social rehabilitation of prisoners and Council Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA. It also inquired about follow up to paragraph 13 in the European Parliament Resolution on the 25th anniversary of the UNCRC which addresses children with imprisoned parents, using COPE’s statistics. You can view the full question tabled here: Question for written answer

In July 2015, COPE received a written response to the Question from the European Commission. The response from Ms Vera Jourova, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality for the Commission, highlights the Commission’s consideration that children of imprisoned parents are in a particularly vulnerable situation. It also specifically mentions Children of Prisoners Europe and the two recent Operating Grants the network has been awarded in order to promote vital awareness-raising and sharing of good practice. COPE’s question about Council Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA is also responded to. We invite you to read the full response to the question here: Answer from the Commission