The COPE network is pioneering a frame-reflective approach to advocacy on behalf of children with imprisoned parents, looking at how messages are being communicated and the import of language. Expert meetings have been organised to lay out the theoretical framework with respect to working with children affected by parental incarceration and to developing a specific … Read More
children with imprisoned parents
Written Declaration on the protection of the children of imprisoned parents
On 12 September, ten Members of the European Parliament placed a Written Declaration (WD) on the protection of children with imprisoned parents before the parliament under Rule 136 of the body’s Rules of Procedure. Read the text here. The sponsoring MEPs, members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Children’s Rights, include Patrizia Toia (Italy), Sergio Gaetano … Read More
Italy renews Memorandum of Understanding on children with imprisoned parents
On 6 September 2016, the Italian Minister for Justice, Andrea Orlando, has renewed his signature of COPE member Bambinisenzasbarre’s pioneering Memorandum of Understanding on children with imprisoned parents. The third signatory, Filomena Albano, Italian Ombudswoman for Childhood and Adolescence has also renewed her signature. This landmark document, a first in Europe, represents an agreement between the … Read More
Close of 7th edition of “Not my crime, still my sentence” campaign
Over the years, COPE’s campaign “Not my crime, still my sentence” has become a landmark annual event for all organisations working for the rights of children with imprisoned parents. Launched in 2010 and taken up by many supporters, the campaign is now celebrated annually in 15 countries with the aim of raising awareness about the … Read More
Information, assistance and support for children of prisoners
This week, the focus of COPE’s campaign “Not my crime, still my sentence” is the importance of providing information, assistance and support for children of imprisoned parents. Receiving appropriate and timely information about their parent’s whereabouts and well-being is of crucial importance to a child. Lack of information may lead to confusion, anxiety and fears. … Read More
Child-friendly visits for children with imprisoned parents
This week, Children of Prisoners Europe has focused its “Not my crime, still my sentence” campaign on Article 2 of the Italian Memorandum of Understanding on children with imprisoned parents. Article 2 of the Memorandum focuses on making prison visits child-friendly. It calls for the designation of a “children’s space” with toys and drawing boards … Read More
20 May Conference: COPE and the Ombudsman for Children Croatia
On the 20th May, COPE co-hosted its annual conference with the Ombudsman for Children Croatia, at the Old Town Hall, Zagreb, entitled Children with a Parent in Conflict With the Law: What are their best interests? How can they be met? Over 200 delegates attended the conference, which began with an introduction from the Ombudswoman … Read More
Alternative Sociale visits Families and Friends of Prisoners in Norway
In April, Families and Friends of Prisoners (FFP) welcomed COPE’s new Applicant member from Romania, Alternative Sociale, an organisation working with and for children of prisoners and their families in Romania. The visit was an interesting and rewarding experience for both organisations, which allowed them to share information about their work, experiences and best practice. … Read More
COPE policy developments for children affected by parental incarceration 2015
The year 2016 promises excellent momentum, building on the successes of COPE and the work of its members in 2015 in advancing policy for children with imprisoned parents on national and international levels. Over the course of 2015, COPE’s action and the excellent advocacy work of its member organisations have contributed to an increased awareness of the … Read More
COPE fact-finding mission to Portugal, December 2015
COPE began a series of meetings in Portugal in early December 2015, aimed at further developing the COPE network and gathering information on the situation of children with imprisoned parents. Over the course of three days, COPE met with national bodies, such as the Provedor de Justiça, as well as with academics, researchers and social … Read More