Bethy’s Mum is in Prison

Description

Bethy’s Mum is in Prison is the third in the 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 story follows Bethy who lives with her Nan and her cat Rudy whilst Mum is in prison. Nan helps Bethy learn to deal with questions from school friends about why she doesn’t live with her Mum. It is sometimes hard for Bethy, especially when saying ‘Goodbye’ to her Mum after visiting her in prison with her Nan. She helps her friend Abbie whose best friend moved away and knows her Mum will be proud of her after she is given a Gold Star by her teacher in assembly.

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 third in the new My 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 Advanced 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 and illustrated the two earlier Time-Matters books in this captivating series, Alex’s Dad Goes to Prison and Tyler Does Not Have Contact With His Dad In Prison.