Tyler Does Not Have Contact With His Dad in Prison

Description

Tyler Does Not Have Contact With His Dad in Prison is the second book 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. Not all children can be in touch with a parent whilst in prison. This book by experienced social work practitioners tries to re-assure them about this difficult situation.

The story tells why Tyler (unlike a friend of his) cannot contact his Dad as it would be unsafe. Instead his mother and social worker encourage him to follow his talent for art and keep letters, pictures and other things that remind him of Dad in a box.

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).

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 and illustrated the earlier Time-Matters book Alex’s Dad Goes to Prison. “Illustrating this children’s book series has been a joy, and I hope my work is able to bring comfort to many children ….”.