Children with imprisoned parents: collecting data with a purpose
COPE’s ongoing work on its Data with a Purpose initiative has advanced knowledge on existing and future methods of data collection for prisoners upon entry.
Paula Akyol
How can we make prison spaces more child-friendly for children visiting a parent?
Building on an online child-consultation developed by COPE and disseminated by members and affiliates, the following report presents a detailed analysis of forty-eight children’s responses regarding their experiences and needs when visiting their parent in prison. This report summarises insights gathered directly from children across ten countries (nine EU Member States), highlighting critical areas that … Read more
A “one roof” approach to support children with a parent in prison: the role that children’s ombudspersons can play
COPE advocates for a ‘one roof’ approach, a strategic scheme that encourages relevant cross-sectoral stakeholders to come together under a unified framework to provide an integrated response for children with a parent in prison, by sharing resources and identifying and addressing deficiencies in existing systems. This briefing paper offers an overview of some of the … Read more
Online survey for children: how can we make prison spaces more child-friendly for children visiting a parent?
Inspired by the EU’s Child Participation Platform survey, Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) has launched a survey to hear directly from children across Europe their ideas about how to make visiting a parent in prison a better, more child-friendly experience. What’s this survey about? COPE is eager to learn your thoughts on how to make … Read more
Honouring Ann Adalist-Estrin
We are sad to announce the death of COPE member Ann Adalist-Estrin, a visionary champion who shifted ways of seeing and working with children who have a parent in prison. Ann was based in the United States, yet engaged frequently with issues in Europe and internationally. She was one of three founding members of COPE’s … Read more
Child Participation when a parent is in conflict with the law
Child participation stands as the first thematic area of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, which states that EU action should ‘empower children to be active citizens and members of democratic societies’. Promoting meaningful participation of children with a parent in prison ensures their influence in key decisions that affect their lives, … Read more
COPE annual conference and network meeting 2024
Conference Agenda See below to register The international conference ‘Let’s Talk to One Another: a cross-sectoral approach for children with a parent in prison’, co-hosted by COPE and COPE member Treffpunkt e.V., will take place in Berlin on 13 June 2024. The conference will revolve around the need for cross-sectoral, holistic support to safeguard the … Read more
Memorandum of Understanding between the Court of Milan and Bambinisenzabarre for children impacted by parental imprisonment
On March 20, 2024, Bambinisenzabarre signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with the Court of Milan, marking a significant step towards enhancing support services for children with a parent in prison. This MoU aims to promote access to free support services for children facing the challenging period of a parent’s incarceration. This pioneering protocol, the … Read more
Visiting a parent in prison – video by Probacja
Probacja Foundation (Poland) has released a new video demonstrating the reality of visiting a parent in prison in Poland. To ensure that children can exercise their right to maintain personal relationships and direct contact with a parent on a regular basis (Article 2, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) when the latter is in prison, … Read more
Family Visits Inauguration 2022 at Brians 2 Prison – Catalonia
In May 2022 on the International Day of Families Brians 2 prison, a closed male prison near Barcelona, opened a new Visits Sea Route adapted to minimize the impact to minors during visits. Along the route, children can find cartoons with images of the sea, messages, and clues to overcome until they find their father, who is the desired treasure. … Read more
