‘Bringing into play an offenders’ family unit and community as a catalyst for reducing the risk of re-offence.’
Using the scheme’s existing delivery model - placing a parent volunteer with the offender and their family to build relationships and facilitate positive whole family and community engagement.
Eligible families:
• a willingness from the whole family to engage with support
• at least 1 child under five years
• an offender due for release from custody OR on low level supervision
All staff and volunteers are trained in ‘Hidden Sentence’ and will work closely in partnership with Probation for the duration of the support.
The volunteer will visit the family once a week for 2-3 hours for as long as the family needs them. Support may include pre-release visits to prison, one to one visits with the offender, and whole family visits.
Outcomes
Overarching outcome is to reduce the re-offence rate by:
• Improving parent-child relationships
• Improving parent-parent relationships
• Improving routine and boundaries within the family environment
• Increasing engagement with training, volunteering and employment
• Increased parental involvement in play and learning
• Improved ability to manage money and debt related issues
• Improved home conditions, including appropriate housing
• Increased self-esteem and emotional well-being
• Improved access to appropriate support and services
• Increased enjoyment and engagement in family life and parenting
• Involvement with positive peer role models
For further information or to refer a family to the project, contact The Home Start Team, on 0161 721 4493, or email: [email protected]