Almost 50 schools have signed up to a new rollout so teachers can refer children with parents in prison for specialist support.
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner launched the Prison Intervention Project last year to work with severely impacted young people for 16 weeks after their parent received a custodial sentence.
Previously, only the Probation Service and Youth Justice could make referrals, but under phase two of the project, schools can now refer children directly.
So far, 49 schools have engaged with the Prison Intervention Project to better understand the impact living with offenders has on a child’s education.
When a school makes a referral, Danielle Stone’s practitioners (pictured) swiftly intervene to offer targeted prevention and a safe place for them to share their emotions, to reduce the risk of future offending and strengthen families.
Currently, 37 children under the age of 18 in Northamptonshire are being helped by the Commissioner’s team.
The Prison Intervention Project was initially set up in September 2025 – in partnership with the Commissioner’s office and Northamptonshire Police – after the Serious Violence Prevention Partnership investigated the top ten reasons why children faced adverse childhood experiences in Northamptonshire.
Two reasons – a relative being in prison or losing a parent through separation – were identified as critical service gaps.
Just this week, Government has announced children with a parent in prison will be recognised earlier under a new pilot scheme.
Danielle said: “Making sure young people are safe and providing them with the strongest possible start in life is a shared responsibility for professionals.
“Having a parent in prison can be incredibly challenging for a child, but it doesn’t define their future or mean they will follow the same path.
“I’m pleased our work is making a strong impact, and with the involvement of teachers, we now have the opportunity to create meaningful change on a much larger scale.”
Schools get exclusive access to the Prison Intervention Project when they sign up to the Professional Awareness Event hosted by HMP Five Wells in partnership with the Commissioner’s specialists.
Olivia Darling (pictured, right), Family Intervention Worker at HMP Five Wells, has helped 1,742 children and young people visit a relative at HMP Five Wells in 2026.
She said: “Children of imprisoned parents are often the forgotten victims of the justice system. For these young people, school is more than just a place to learn, it’s a big part of their daily routine and life.
“When schools and other agencies working with young people attend this event, they build understanding and gain the tools to help these children unpack complex, overwhelming emotions.
“Engaging in this event isn’t just about professional development, it’s about ensuring no child navigates the confusion and stigma of parental imprisonment alone, providing these vulnerable young people with the targeted support they need to thrive both emotionally and academically.”
If you’re a teaching professional and would like to learn more about the project or attend the next event in October, please email the Commissioner’s team [email protected].
