'Play in Prisons', led by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact), and funded by the Big Lottery, will involve family days at prisons, with football games, storytelling and the chance for families to eat meals together.
The scheme, running in three Devon prisons, is intended to make visiting prison less confusing for children and keep their fathers from re-offending.
An estimated 160,000 children a year visit a parent in prison.
Pact director Andy Keen-Downs said, 'We know that strong family ties reduce the risk of crime. While it's not always healthy for all children to visit their parents in prison, in the majority of cases, when fathers or mothers inside have positive family visits, and focus on their parenting, it is good for their children, and it helps keep families together. We know from research and our work that if prisoners go back to their families after their release, they are much less likely to commit more crime.'
Meanwhile, Pudsey Bear helped children's secretary Ed Balls cut the ribbon at the official opening of a children's play area inside Wandsworth Prison, London.
The new facilities, staffed by Pact playworkers and play volunteers, provide games, arts and crafts, books and storytelling. The prison also has an innovative 'Homework Club', where imprisoned fathers can help their children with their homework.
- Pact has also launched 'Listening to Prisoners' Children: a Toolkit', produced with the support of BBC Children in Need. It is the first practical consulting tool designed for play practitioners who work with children in prisons. The toolkit costs £25. For an order form go to www.prisonadvice.org.uk or e-mail sales@prisonadvice.org.uk.
