The Impact of Imprisonment on Children
Last reviewed: June 2026
The “hidden victims” of a sentence
Children of prisoners have not done anything wrong, yet they live with many of the consequences of a sentence. They are sometimes called hidden victims because they are not recorded anywhere as a group, there is no automatic support for them, and their needs can be overlooked while attention is on the parent in court and custody. Estimates suggest more than 200,000 children in England and Wales are affected by a parent’s imprisonment each year, a larger number than are affected by divorce in the same period.
The effect on any individual child depends on many things: their age, how close they were to the imprisoned parent, who is now caring for them, the family’s finances, and how openly the situation is handled. There is no single experience, but research consistently shows this is a significant adverse childhood experience that deserves attention and support.
Common effects, and what can help
| Area | What children may experience | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional | Anxiety, sadness, anger, confusion, guilt | Honest, age-appropriate explanations; reassurance they are loved and not to blame |
| Behaviour | Withdrawal, acting out, sleep or eating changes | Routine, patience, support at school |
| School | Drop in concentration or attendance, bullying | A trusted adult at school who knows the situation |
| Financial | Loss of income, housing instability | Benefits advice and practical support for carers |
| Relationship | Missing the parent, fear of visits | Regular contact — calls, letters, family-friendly visits |
Talking to children honestly
One of the hardest questions families face is what to tell a child. The instinct to protect a child by hiding the truth — saying a parent is “working away”, for example — is understandable, but children often sense that something is wrong, and finding out later from someone else can damage trust. Most charities working in this area advise telling children the truth in a way suited to their age: simple, honest and reassuring, making clear that the parent still loves them and that none of it is the child’s fault. Children’s books and resources designed for this exact situation can help start the conversation.
Keeping the relationship going
Maintaining contact is good for the child and good for the parent. It reassures the child that the relationship continues, and it is one of the strongest factors in reducing the chance that the parent reoffends after release. Contact can take several forms: letters and drawings, phone calls, secure video calls (Purple Visits / video calling), and in-person visits. Many prisons run family days and have family-friendly visit areas with play facilities to make visits less daunting for children. Preparing a child for what a visit will be like — the searches, the rules, the room — helps reduce anxiety.
Our founder Daniel Hockey, who served a sentence himself, has written about how much family contact matters from the inside; you can read more about Daniel Hockey. For practical steps, see our guides on prison visits and how to contact someone in prison.
- “It’s kinder to hide the truth from young children.” Evidence suggests honest, age-appropriate explanations protect trust better than secrecy, which children often see through.
- “Children are better off not visiting prison.” For many children, well-prepared, family-friendly visits reassure them and help maintain the bond. The key is preparation and the right setting.
- “There’s no support out there.” Several charities specialise in supporting children of prisoners and the family members caring for them.
Frequently asked questions
Should a child visit a parent in prison?
There is no single answer; it depends on the child, the relationship and good preparation. Many children benefit from contact, and prisons increasingly provide family-friendly visiting.
What support is there for the carer left at home?
Carers can seek benefits and housing advice and connect with charities supporting prisoners’ families. See support and benefits guidance.
Will school know what to do?
Schools can be a vital source of stability. Telling a trusted teacher in confidence allows them to watch for signs of distress and offer quiet support.
Where can families get specialist help?
Organisations such as Children Heard and Seen, Pact (the Prison Advice and Care Trust) and Barnardo’s run dedicated services for children affected by imprisonment.
Official sources and support
See the Prison Reform Trust, Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust), Children Heard and Seen, and Barnardo’s. GOV.UK provides guidance on staying in touch with someone in prison.
