Cheap Prison Calls:
The Impact Of Going To Prison

When someone goes to prison, it is not only the individual behind bars who suffers the consequences; their family members, especially children, also bear a heavy burden. New research has revealed the profound financial, emotional, and social toll imprisonment takes on families. While society often focuses on the impact of incarceration on the offender, the hidden sentence faced by loved ones is often overlooked. This article explores the far-reaching impact of imprisonment on families and children and highlights ways to offer support.

Financial impact on families

One of the most immediate and devastating effects of having a loved one imprisoned is the financial strain it places on families. Many prisoners’ families were already struggling with low incomes, and the rising cost of living has only made their situations more dire. The loss of a partner’s income due to imprisonment can severely affect a family's ability to meet basic needs.

Beyond losing a source of income, many families face additional costs associated with maintaining contact with their loved one in prison. Visiting a prison is expensive. Travel costs, accommodation (if needed), and other related expenses can place a significant financial burden on families already stretched thin. The survey found that 38% of respondents were spending a quarter or more of their household income supporting a loved one in prison. These expenses are often ongoing, lasting for the duration of the sentence and adding up to thousands of pounds over time.

Mental and emotional impact

The emotional strain of having a loved one incarcerated is immense. Families, particularly children, often experience feelings of loss, sadness, and anxiety. Children may feel abandoned or confused about why their parent is no longer around, while partners may struggle to cope with the loneliness of an absent spouse. These feelings can have a long-lasting impact on family dynamics and mental health.

The Pact survey revealed that 83% of family members said their mental health had worsened as a result of their loved one's imprisonment, with 71% reporting a decline in their physical health. The constant worry, coupled with the stigma associated with having a family member in prison, leads many individuals to feel isolated and overwhelmed. In fact, 70% of respondents reported losing relationships with friends and family due to the shame or embarrassment associated with imprisonment.

For children, the emotional toll can be particularly damaging. Studies have shown that children of incarcerated parents are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, behavioral problems, and academic difficulties. They may face bullying or social exclusion at school due to the stigma surrounding imprisonment, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation.

Social stigma and isolation

One of the most pervasive challenges families face when a loved one is imprisoned is the social stigma associated with incarceration. Many families feel the need to hide their situation from friends, colleagues, and even extended family members for fear of judgment or discrimination. This stigma can prevent families from seeking support and can lead to feelings of shame and isolation.

According to Pact’s research, only 29% of families are open about their loved one’s time in prison, with the vast majority choosing to keep it a secret. The social isolation that results from hiding this information can take a heavy emotional toll, leaving families without the support networks they desperately need during such a challenging time.

The stigma surrounding imprisonment also extends to children, who may feel the need to hide their parent’s absence from teachers and classmates. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, further affecting their emotional well-being.

Provide emotional support

Life after prison can be a lonely experience for many former prisoners. They may feel isolated, stigmatized, or overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. As someone who cares about them, providing emotional support is vital to helping them regain confidence and stability.

Listening without judgment can have a significant impact. Encourage open communication and let them know that you’re there for them, regardless of their struggles. Helping them process their experiences and emotions can reduce their feelings of isolation and loneliness. For those suffering from depression, anxiety, or trauma related to their incarceration, consider suggesting professional counseling or therapy.

The impact on children

Children of parents who are serving time in prison are among the most vulnerable victims of the prison system. When a parent goes to prison, children often face confusion, sadness, and emotional turmoil. The absence of a parent, particularly a primary caregiver, can disrupt a child’s sense of security and stability.

Research shows that children of incarcerated parents are more likely to experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. They may also struggle academically, with lower attendance rates and decreased academic performance. The emotional and psychological impact can be long-lasting, affecting their development well into adulthood.

In addition to the emotional strain, children may also face practical challenges. The loss of a parent’s income can lead to financial hardship, affecting their access to necessities such as food, clothing, and school supplies. Many children of incarcerated parents also face social stigma, which can result in bullying, exclusion, and isolation from peers.

The importance of family

Despite the many challenges families face, maintaining contact with an incarcerated loved one is crucial. Research by the UK government has shown that prisoners who maintain strong family ties are 39% less likely to reoffend upon release. This is because family support can provide a crucial anchor for reintegration into society, offering emotional stability, encouragement, and practical assistance.

However, maintaining these ties is not always easy. As mentioned earlier, many families struggle to afford the costs associated with visiting their loved ones in prison. In fact, 56% of families surveyed said that financial concerns had affected their ability to stay in touch. In addition, the emotional strain of maintaining a relationship with someone in prison can be overwhelming, leading some family members to withdraw or sever ties altogether.

How can families get support?

Fortunately, there are resources available to help families cope with the challenges of having a loved one in prison. Organizations like Pact provide support services, including counseling, advice, and financial assistance for families struggling to visit their loved ones. The Help with Prison Visits scheme, for example, offers financial assistance to low-income families to help cover the costs of visiting a loved one in prison. However, one in three respondents to the Pact survey were unaware of this scheme, highlighting the need for greater awareness and access to support services.

In addition to seeking external support, families can also take steps to support one another during this challenging time. Open communication, emotional support, and understanding can help alleviate some of the emotional strain. Encouraging children to express their feelings and providing reassurance can help them cope with the absence of a parent.

Government and policy recommendations

The impact of imprisonment on families and children highlights the need for policy changes to support these vulnerable individuals. Pact has called on the UK government to review the Help with Prison Visits scheme to ensure that all eligible families are aware of and have access to this support. The organization also recommends that the government take steps to ensure that prisoners are held as close as possible to their families, as proximity can make it easier for families to maintain contact.

Additionally, Pact has called for prison officer training to emphasize the importance of family ties and to ensure that staff understand the role they play in helping prisoners maintain contact with their loved ones.

The impact of imprisonment extends far beyond the individual behind bars, affecting families and children in profound and often devastating ways. Financial hardship, emotional strain, social stigma, and the disruption of family relationships are just a few of the challenges families face when a loved one goes to prison. While there are resources available to help, more needs to be done to support these families and ensure that they are not forgotten in the criminal justice process. By addressing the needs of families and children, we can not only reduce the negative impact of imprisonment but also support the successful reintegration of prisoners into society, ultimately contributing to safer communities.