Membership Spotlight highlights the work of our member organisations and outline how other individuals and NGOs can support them. We are shining the light on Families Outside to discuss “Falling through the gaps: why we must do more for children affected by imprisonment.”

Falling through the gaps: why we must do more for children affected by imprisonment

“I feel different to other kids as my dad is in prison. It makes me sad and sometimes angry…I miss having him to do things with like going to football or him coming to watch me when I play.”

These are the words of Footyboi, age 8, one of the 220 children who shared their stories for our State of Children’s Rights in Scotland 2024 report. Like so many others, he spoke about the pain of separation, the stigma he faces, and the longing to be seen and supported.

Children affected by parental imprisonment are not a small or niche group. In Scotland, it’s estimated that more than 20,000 children each year experience the imprisonment of a parent. And yet, they are rarely recognised in policy and practice. They often navigate this complex terrain in silence – hidden in plain sight – with little support and few opportunities to have their voices heard.

With the UNCRC now part of Scots law, we have both a legal and moral obligation to change this. Article 3 tells us that the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all decisions that affect them. Article 12 guarantees every child the right to be heard and taken seriously. Children like Ayla, 13, who shared:

“I’m scared that people will find out about my dad. I’m worried in case any more drama happens.”

These are children whose rights are too often overlooked – whose needs fall through the gaps between justice, education, health, and social care. It’s time to turn awareness into action.

That’s why Together is encouraging all our members – whether you’re in education, social work, advocacy, justice, or health – to attend Families Outside’s 2025 Conference: Falling Through the Gaps, taking place in Stirling on 15 May 2025.

This conference will be a powerful day of partnership, learning, and practical steps forward. It builds on the success of the Hidden in Plain Sight conference and will focus on what UNCRC incorporation means in practice for children and families affected by imprisonment.

The day will include:

• Inspiring talks and practical workshops
• Lived experience insights that challenge and inform
• New research on child impact assessments and rights-based support
• Rich discussion with others who are passionate about making a difference

With inputs from projects across Scotland and the UK – including Perth & Kinross Council, Newcastle University’s Divided Households project, and the Wales-based ASPIRE project – this event promises fresh thinking and real-world tools to help us all do better.

It will be chaired by Cathy Jamieson, former Justice Minister and Chair of the National Prison Visitors Centres Steering Group, and will bring together people from across sectors and lived experiences.

This isn’t only a criminal justice issue. It’s a children’s rights issue. And it affects everything from education and health to mental wellbeing and family life. If your work touches the lives of children and families, this day is for you. Together’s mission is to work with our membership to ensure that all babies, children, and young people growing up in Scotland have all their human rights respected, protected, and fulfilled. Let’s work with Families Outside to make sure no child falls through the gaps.

Register now: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/event/families-outside-2025-conference/

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Are you a Together organisational member and would like to collaborate for a Membership Spotlight? Email: caitlin@togetherscotland.org.uk

State of Children’s Rights Report 2024

• Read our recently published report which 220 babies, children and young people share their stories.
• What did you think of our report? We want to your thoughts and views! Fill out our full survey. Fill out our child-friendly survey.

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