From 3-8 April 2017 the Jagiellonian University organised their third Social Labor Seminar in Cracow as part of the framework of the Polish Social Work Week PSSPS, targeting students and professionals. The theme on day four concerned the penitentiary system in Poland, addressing questions such as: “Is there a place in the Polish penitentiary system for modern penitentiary work based on social work and social rehabilitation? How does social work pass through the walls of penal institutions?”
COPE was invited to speak on day four, presenting an overview of the issues concerning children of prisoners, the impact of parental imprisonment, and the factors that can support children’s well-being. Children of imprisoned parents are affected by work of a range of actors, including schools and teachers, social services, judicial services and police. Multidisciplinary events such as this are the way forward in order to raise awareness; COPE advocated for the creation of a regional cross-sectoral working group on the issue.