Guiding principles

Children of parents in conflict with the law require special attention

Recommendation 2: The children of parents in conflict with the law have the same basic needs as any other child, but they face different challenges due to the situation of their parents and, generally speaking, the negative social reaction to persons in conflict with the law and their families. These children are at risk of being ostracized and stigmatized by people around them, being victimized in various ways, or developing behavioral problems (including finding themselves in conflict with the law). These risks are real and should be kept in mind, but not overly dramatized so as to avoid further stigmatizing children. Most importantly, the needs and circumstances of these children must be taken into account to provide them with opportunities comparable to those of other children and parents.

Guiding principles

The views and voice of the child must be heard

Recommendation 4: At all stages of any intervention, children’s views should be sought, and children’s voices should be heard. Children should be helped to develop a plan for their own care and support. Strategies and processes are required to make sure that children are appropriately informed about what is happening to their parents (when they are separated), and about the decisions that are made that can affect them.

Practical measures and strategies

Working with the media and with public opinion

Recommendation 25: Provide the public, through the media and other means, with reliable and up-to-date data and good practice examples to increase their awareness regarding the children affected by parental imprisonment and their needs, and to prevent stereotyping and stigmatizing children with imprisoned parents.