HMP Open Estate, in partnership with Phoenix Futures, successfully held a Families Day in Glasgow in July. Families Outside also participated in the event, the purpose of which was to improve dialogue between prisoners, their families, Scottish Prison Service staff and Phoenix Futures.
Imprisonment of a family member has a negative impact on social, emotional, financial and educational development of a family. This leads to disadvantage, exclusion and the risk of cycles of crime and imprisonment being perpetuated. Prisoners are up to six times less likely to reoffend if they maintain family contact during imprisonment, and these improved family links aid in the resettlement of prisoners back into the community. Closer relationships often benefit prisoners’ families as well, who tend to be the ‘forgotten victims’ of incarceration, having distinctive needs of their own.
The event was instigated in acknowledgment of the importance of these links and to assist prisoners in their return to the community following a long sentence.