25th February 2004
Governor Austin Treacy, director of inmate services and activities at Maghaberry in tandem with the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), NIACRO and Prison Link, organized a two-day Parent in Prison Seminar and Workshop at Maghaberry and Macgilligan prisons on February 23-24. Day One at Maghaberry, a high security prison outside Belfast , aimed to raise awareness and share good practice in reducing the impact of imprisonment on families and children in particular. The spotlight was on child-centered visits and the crucial role they play in maintaining family ties. Day Two at Magilligan featured a series of workshops designed for prison staff, co-facilitated by Barnardos and by KIDS VIP of EUROCHIPS. The event was opened by Peter Russell, director general of NIPS, and Elizabeth Ayre of EUROCHIPS gave the keynote speech. Prison Minister Jane Kennedy voiced her support for the work being carried out at Maghaberry and Magilligan and for partner associations such as Barnardos.