Charities want a legal requirement for the children of prisoners to be identified and offered support

Leading charities working with children and young people who have a parent in prison have called on all MSPs to back a crucial amendment to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.

The bill will be debated in the Scottish Parliament today (8 December) as it reaches its final stage.

Barnardo’s Scotland, Families Outside and NSPCC Scotland have written to all MSPs asking them to support an amendment, lodged by Labour MSP Mary Fee. It would ensure there is a legal requirement for children of prisoners to be identified and subsequent support provided.

These families remain isolated, and the stigma prevents them from seeking help.

The charities supporting the amendment say currently there is no mechanism for gathering data on this vulnerable group.

The amendment will also ensure there are strong links between the child wellbeing provisions in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the needs of children affected by parental imprisonment.

“We have been campaigning for a number of years to have the needs of children and young people affected by parental imprisonment identified so that the right support can be put in place,” Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo’s Scotland said.

“In Scotland it is estimated that around 27,000 children and young people are affected. However an estimate is the best we can do as this is a group of children whose particular needs are often hidden.

“As a result they are not getting the support they need.

“This amendment would go a long way to making sure we know who these children are and that we have a system in place which meets their needs.”

Professor Nancy Loucks, chief executive of Families Outside, said: “The impact of imprisonment on the children and families left behind is significant and enduring. Yet these families remain isolated, and the stigma prevents them from seeking help.

“This amendment will help identify families likely to be struggling and ensure support is available to them. It is a hugely important means of limiting short-term crises and reducing the risk of costly, longer-term problems.”

Matt Forde, head of service for NSPCC Scotland, added: “MSPs today have an important opportunity to improve the life experiences of a long neglected group of vulnerable children.

“Accepting this amendment will send a clear signal that all children no matter their life circumstances, will have the support available to other children as a right”