Partnership project aims to keep 53 women out of prison and with their children – Sussex Prisoners’ Families The Maslow Foundation and The Probation Service.
We are pleased to announce our collaboration on the Family Connections Project, a partnership between Sussex Prisoners’ Families, The Maslow Foundation and The Probation Service. Through this project, we will work directly with children using Child Impact Assessments to better understand the effect on a child when their primary carer—usually their mother—is involved in the criminal justice system.
We know that too often, children in these circumstances do not receive the support they need. Many experience isolation, stigma and fear, which can affect not only their immediate wellbeing but also their long-term health and life opportunities, contributing to further Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
This project is funded by the Probation Service (Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS)) as part of the Ministry of Justice’s Independent Sentencing Review (ISR) recommendations to reduce the imprisonment of women. At the heart of our work is a commitment to ensuring that children’s voices are heard, recognised and acted upon.
Children have told us how important it is to work with someone they already know and trust. As specialists in supporting families affected by imprisonment, we are well placed to build on existing relationships and provide consistent, trauma-informed support during this critical time.
We will work alongside 53 families and expect to complete 35–40 Child Impact Assessments. These assessments will provide vital context to those making sentencing decisions, helping them to fully understand the wider impact on children and families. They will also strengthen safeguarding by identifying appropriate care arrangements for children before court proceedings take place. Through this approach, we aim to reduce uncertainty, increase stability, and minimise the likelihood of children entering unfamiliar or emergency care situations.
Charlie from The Maslow Foundation says:
“The Family Connections Project evidences that integrating child-focused assessment and holistic family support within the criminal justice process can lead to more humane, equitable, and effective outcomes. By ensuring that the impact of maternal imprisonment on children is systematically recognised, we can help prevent avoidable family separation while promoting the long-term wellbeing and stability of some of the most vulnerable children in society.”
Most importantly, we will ensure that children are seen, heard and supported, and that they are meaningfully included in decisions about their care and future.
Sarah from Sussex Prisoners’ Families says:
“I am delighted to be leading this project for Sussex Prisoners’ Families. A Child Impact Assessment ensures that a child’s voice, needs, safety, and wellbeing are clearly understood, heard, and considered when a mother is involved in the criminal justice system. They also support professionals to make more informed, balanced decisions that minimise harm to the child and family while promoting fair and effective outcomes.”
We look forward to working alongside children and families as they navigate this challenging period in their lives.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Probation Service (KSS Team); without this funding, we would not be able to deliver this vital work.
Editor notes:
Contact: Clare Walsh
Email: clare@sussexprisonersfamilies.org.uk
Tel: 07534 055 021
For more information, please visit https://www.sussexprisonersfamilies.org.uk/?post_type=project&p=3650&et_fb=1&PageSpeed=off
