Prison hits families hard

Published on Wednesday 22 October 2008 21:18

Recent reports of the high number of escapers and absconders from open prisons reflect only some of the consequences of prisons reaching breaking point.

Not one articles I have seen takes into account the impact of prison on the families of those inside. All available evidence shows families of people in prison suffer deterioration of physical and mental health, loss of income, loss of housing, stigma and repercussions from victims or their families and neighbours. The impact on prisoners' children is especially severe, often with the children's behaviour and performance in school worsening.

We imprison more and more people despite the evidence that a parent's imprisonment is a significant factor in a child's future offending; despite official statistics that show the incidence of almost every category of crime, including violent crime, is falling.

Family ties are one of the most important factors in stopping future offending.

We seem to have lost sight of the fact that prison often does not reduce offending; it perpetuates it.

DR NANCY LOUCKS

Chief executive, Families Outside

Great King Street

Edinburgh