Alex’s Dad Goes to Prison

Description

Alex’s Dad Goes to Prison is the first in the new My Parent in Prison Series of books for children of imprisoned parents. It portrays the challenges they face and allows them to understand they are not alone. The book seeks to explain in simple terms why the parent was arrested and sent to prison. It describes what happens whilst the parent is in prison (such as visits and letters) and makes suggestions like starting a box in which to keep letters from and photos of the absent parent. The series aims to reduce stigma, feelings of isolation, and to show that children with a parent in prison can thrive. The series is pitched at younger readers and inspired by real life stories and events. Some 312,000 children have a parent in prison in the UK alone (2022) many of whom fall within the target age range (below) of this book. The figure is one in every 100 across Europe, millions of children worldwide, giving this vividly illustrated and attractively written work considerable potential.

Helps parents explain a difficult situation to young children (ages 3–7). The first in the new Parent in Prison Series. By experienced social work practitioners.

Time-Matters UK

The series is the initiative of Time-Matters UK, an organization that supports children and young people who have a parent or family member in prison, and before a parent goes to prison if it is likely they will do so, and after release, including via groups, peer support and mentoring. The book will be of interest to other professionals (and volunteers) working in this field.

About the authors

Dr Lorna Brookes is the founder of Time-Matters UK, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, and board member of the International Coalition for Children of Incarcerated Parents. Support for children with a parent in prison is her life’s work.
Emily Livsey BA MA is an experienced Child Protection Social Worker, and a Director for Time-Matters UK. She also specialises in Systemic Family Therapy for Social Work.

The illustrator

Aoife J O’Dwyer studied Art at Liverpool John Moores University. “Illustrating this children’s book series has been a joy, and I hope my work is able to bring comfort to many children ….”.