children with a parent in prison day 2025

For twelve years, my three children lived with the reality of their dad being in prison—twelve years overshadowed by a wrongful conviction that made everything even harder. Instead of compassion, they were met with suspicion, whispers, and the painful idea that “there’s no smoke without fire.” That constant judgement—layered on top of grief, confusion, and loss—was a heavy weight for young shoulders to carry. Yet they kept going with a strength that inspires me every day.

Barnardo’s provided the focused, specialist support they desperately needed. Their community support for offenders’ families was a lifeline—one of the few services that truly understood the unique struggles these children face. Sadly, Barnardo’s no longer offers that kind of community support, but before it ended, they helped transform the landscape locally for us. They trained professionals across children’s services, schools, and family support teams, raising awareness and changing attitudes so that families like ours were no longer met with blank stares or silent judgement. Their work made a real difference.

And with the steady love of family and friends, my children found the space to grow, trust, and keep striving.

We fought hard to maintain their relationship with their dad. Even though he was held hundreds of miles away, there were daily phone calls, and we travelled for prison visits whenever possible. Those moments kept their bond alive and reminded them they were still a family—still loved, still connected—despite the distance and the injustice.

Throughout it all, one guiding principle from the Children Act echoed in my mind: every child has the right to a childhood. A childhood where they feel safe, supported, and able to thrive—regardless of their parents’ circumstances. My children deserved that. All children do.
Which is why one question continues to trouble me: if children with a parent in the armed forces receive Pupil Premium support, why don’t children with a parent in prison—who face profound emotional upheaval, financial strain, disrupted routines, entrenched stigma and, in our case, the trauma of a wrongful conviction—receive the same? Their needs are every bit as significant.

It is time for the government to step up. Children of prisoners must no longer be invisible in education policy. Addressing the Pupil Premium gap is not a minor technical issue—it is a matter of fairness, dignity, and children’s rights. These children deserve to be recognised, supported, and given every chance to thrive, just like any other child facing adversity.

Sue Beere, Survivors’ Advocate