We're here for families in Liverpool with a mum or dad in prison
When a family member goes to prison, it can have a huge impact on the lives of the family and be a really difficult time for everyone involved, especially the children. Many children and teenagers feel confused, alone and ashamed, often hiding what they’re going through, unsure of what to tell people.
How can PSS Prisoners Families Service help?
PSS Prisoners' Families is here to support families in Liverpool. We support each family as whole, whether you're a grandparent, partner, caregiver or child, and then tailor that support to each family member.
With the right kind of support, children can learn to cope with their emotions, understand what's happening and begin to shed that stigma. Grandparents and caregivers can gain the tools, knowledge and confidence to support their family during what might be a difficult time.
One-to-one support for children with a parent in prison
Our specialist team is here to provide one-to-one support for children and teens who have a family member in prison. They might find it hard to talk to parents, grandparents, teachers or siblings about what they’re going through and how they’re feeling – and that's where we come in.
Each child or teen we support is given their own family worker, who’s trained to help them understand how they’re feeling, understand the ‘whys’ in a way that is appropriate for them, process their emotions and come to terms with what’s going on, in their own time and their own way, without any judgement.
Our family workers and the children and teens we support get to know each other really well, and we find that this relationship helps them really start to relax and open up.
Meeting other children and teens going through the same thing
We’ve got lots of opportunities for children and teens to meet and make friends with people their age who also have a loved one in prison. This helps them feel that they're not alone, and helps them feel relaxed, safe and happier.
We get up to lots of things together – from days out doing fun stuff through to quiet activity sessions to help us feel calm.
Support to visit family in prison
Lots of children and teens want to keep in touch with their parents who are in prison. Afterall, to them, it's just dad, or just mum.
This can be done by writing letters to each other, or by going to visit them in prison. If it's the right thing to do, we can support your child or teenager to go and see their parent in prison, during family visiting hours.
Going into a prison environment can be a bit scary for the teens and children we support, but we're experienced in making sure they feel safe and emotionally prepared both before and after the visit. This is only ever something we'd do if it was right for everyone.
Fighting the stigma
There's still so much stigma attached to having a family member prison - and so many children carry that round with them every day - at school, with friends, and when just trying to get on with their lives. It can affect everything, from their mental health and behaviour to how they do at school. In a way, it's not just the parent who's serving time, it's the child, too. We call this their hidden sentence.
Who can PSS Prisoners' Families Service support?
We can support:
- Children with a parent or guardian in prison
- People with children who have a partner in prison;
- Grandparents who have a child in prison and are now caring for their grandchildren, full-time or part-time;
- Another family member or carer who is taking care of children while their mum or dad is in prison; or
- Those in prison or leaving prison, where possible.
Coming to PSS has helped me. Jess feels like a friend but so much more, because I couldn’t speak to an actual friend about this stuff. We made a memory box and filled with stuff that reminds me of dad. There’s photos of holidays and his watch in there. He loves his watches! All his letters go in there, too. It’s nice to look at that. I’ve got a whole folder on my phone with funny pictures of him. They make me howl laughing.
Evie, aged 16
What do people think about Prisoners' Families?
Each yeah we ask people we support, their carers, parents and guardians to tell us what they think about the support they receive from PSS. This year, we received feedback from 48% of the people we support and 100% of the parents, carers and guardians of people supported by Prisoners' Families. Here's what they told us:
5/5
How we listen to people
4.8
How they were treated
4.8
How safe people feel at PSS
How to get support from PSS Prisoners' Families Service
To get support from, or to speak someone in our Prisoners' Families service, please get in touch with Jessica:
Call: 0151 702 5555
Email: jessica.schorah@pss.org.uk
Stories from people we've supported
Kelsey's story: from being supported to supporting others
When Kelsey first came to our Prisoners’ Families service, she was finding it difficult to express and manage her emotions.
Tracy and Julie: a journey of reconnection
When we first met Tracy, she was struggling to maintain a relationship with her daughter, Julie, who was in prison.
Helpful things to read
Don't Worry Book
An advice book for children with a parent in prison written alongside children supported by our Prisoners' Families service.
Download file
More information about PSS
How we can help
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Keeping you safe
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