Prison can affect not only the individual serving a sentence, but also children, partners, parents, and wider families. Imprisonment can bring emotional stress, financial difficulties, housing concerns, safeguarding issues, and uncertainty about the future.

Access to clear information, emotional support, rehabilitation services, and family support can help individuals and families manage difficult situations more safely and positively.

This guide provides general information about prison processes, family support, rehabilitation, safeguarding, release, and available services in England and Wales.

What Happens When Someone Goes to Prison?

When someone is sentenced to prison, they may:

• Be taken directly into custody from court
• Be transferred to a prison based on sentence type, risk level, or location
• Undergo assessments relating to health, wellbeing, safeguarding, and rehabilitation needs
• Be given prison rules, routines, and licence information

Families may experience shock, stress, confusion, or emotional distress following imprisonment.

Support services are available to help families understand prison processes and maintain safe family relationships where appropriate.

Types of Prison Sentences

Prison sentences may include:

• Fixed-term sentences
• Suspended sentences
• Life sentences
• Indeterminate sentences
• Recall to prison
• Youth custody sentences

The length and conditions of imprisonment vary depending on:

• The offence
• Risk assessments
• Court decisions
• Behaviour in custody
• Licence conditions

Life Inside Prison

Prison life may involve:

• Structured daily routines
• Education or training programmes
• Work opportunities
• Healthcare and mental health support
• Rehabilitation courses
• Visits and communication with family
• Risk and behaviour assessments

Prisons also manage:

• Safeguarding concerns
• Violence reduction
• Mental health risks
• Substance misuse
• Family contact arrangements

Family Contact & Relationships

Maintaining safe and positive family relationships can support rehabilitation and emotional wellbeing.

Families may stay in contact through:

• Prison visits
• Phone calls
• Letters and emails
• Video calls in some prisons

Research has found that maintaining family contact can reduce reoffending and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Families may also receive support through prison family services and specialist organisations.

Children & Families

Children with a parent in prison may experience:

• Anxiety or emotional distress
• Confusion and uncertainty
• Changes in routines
• Financial difficulties
• Social stigma
• Emotional or behavioural challenges

Children benefit from:

• Honest age-appropriate communication
• Stable routines
• Emotional reassurance
• Support from trusted adults
• Safe family relationships where appropriate

Parents and carers should focus on supporting children emotionally and protecting them from harmful conflict or unsafe situations.

Prison Visits

Families may be able to:

• Book prison visits
• Send money to prisoners
• Stay in touch through approved systems
• Access visitor centres and family support services

Financial help with prison visit costs may be available for eligible families receiving benefits.

Prison Visit Information

• GOV.UK – Prisoners’ Families Information & Services
• GOV.UK – Help with Prison Visits

Rehabilitation & Positive Change

Rehabilitation aims to help individuals:

• Reduce reoffending
• Build safer lifestyles
• Improve relationships
• Address harmful behaviour
• Access education and employment
• Reintegrate into society safely

Support may include:

• Substance misuse treatment
• Mental health support
• Behaviour programmes
• Parenting programmes
• Education and training
• Employment support
• Housing support

Positive family support and stable relationships can play an important role in rehabilitation.

Safeguarding & Risk Assessments

Prisons and probation services work closely with safeguarding agencies where concerns involve:

• Domestic abuse
• Violence
• Child safeguarding
• Mental health risks
• Substance misuse
• Harmful or risky behaviour

Risk assessments may affect:

• Prison categorisation
• Family contact
• Child contact arrangements
• Temporary release decisions
• Release conditions

The safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable individuals always remain the priority.

Release from Prison & Licence Conditions

Most prisoners released from prison will be subject to licence conditions and probation supervision.

Licence conditions may include:

• Reporting to probation
• Approved accommodation requirements
• Curfews
• Restrictions on contact or travel
• Rehabilitation programme attendance
• Electronic monitoring or tagging

Breaching licence conditions may result in recall to prison.

Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL)

Some prisoners may be eligible for:

Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL)

ROTL may support:

• Employment opportunities
• Education and training
• Rebuilding family relationships
• Preparing for release
• Housing arrangements

ROTL decisions involve risk assessments and safeguarding considerations.

Housing, Employment & Reintegration

People leaving prison may need support with:

• Housing and homelessness prevention
• Employment and training
• Mental health support
• Substance misuse recovery
• Family reintegration
• Financial support

Stable housing, positive support networks, and access to services can reduce the risk of reoffending and improve long-term outcomes.

Abuse & Safety

Not all family relationships are safe or appropriate.

Abuse may include:

• Physical violence
• Emotional abuse
• Coercive control
• Financial abuse
• Threats or intimidation

No adult or child should feel pressured into unsafe contact or relationships.

If there is immediate danger, call 999.

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Prison and imprisonment can affect mental health for both prisoners and families.

People may experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Isolation
• Stress
• Emotional distress

Seeking emotional and mental health support can help individuals and families cope more safely during difficult periods.

Prison & Family Support Services

Prison & Family Information

• GOV.UK – Prisoners’ Families Information & Services
• GOV.UK – Support for Families & Friends of Prisoners

Prison Family Support Organisations

• Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT)
• Prisoners’ Families Helpline
• Prison Reform Trust

Housing & Reintegration Support

• Shelter UK
• Crisis UK

Mental Health Support

• Mind UK
• Samaritans

Domestic Abuse Support

• Women’s Aid
• Refuge
• ManKind Initiative
• Men’s Advice Line

Final Message

Prison can have a significant impact on individuals and families, but access to support, rehabilitation, safeguarding, education, housing, and positive family relationships can help people move forward safely and rebuild stability for the future.

Children, families, and individuals affected by imprisonment should not face these challenges alone. Support services are available to help people stay informed, protected, and supported throughout the process.