Supporting children with imprisoned parents

This page was created in partnership with the University of Cambridge.

Talking to students about their individual circumstances might feel challenging. There is a widening access and participation module available on the UCAS Professional Development Platform to help you prepare for these conversations – this is a free resource but you need to register.

Pre-application and research phase

It is estimated there are more than 3,000k children with imprisoned parents in the UK, but there is no systematic way of identifying them. They may be reluctant to discuss their circumstances with you and the school or college may not be aware, so it's likely you will not know who is affected in your cohort of students. 

• The pastoral team in your school or college may be able to help you identify which students might benefit from support (where known). They may also be able to help with these conversations if they already have a trusted relationship with those students – direct them to our step-by-step guide to help with these discussions.
• Make sure support for individual needs is referenced in presentation or materials about higher education and the application. You could list different groups and include ‘students with imprisoned parents' to raise awareness – explaining the benefits of sharing information with you and the university to ensure the right support is provided.
• Signpost tailored information and advice – our page for students with imprisoned parents is a good starting point.
• Students with imprisoned parents are more likely to experience other mitigating circumstances affecting their progression to higher education – our pages for individual needs support might help them find the information they need to make an informed decision.
• Students may have felt isolated or stigmatised at school or college, and their parent’s imprisonment might have negatively impacted their mental health. Make sure they know how to access support at university and encourage anyone with an existing condition to share this on their UCAS application – check our toolkit for supporting students with mental health conditions.

When they’re applying

• If you're aware a student is the child of a prisoner, discuss how they can share their circumstances – either through the UCAS application or directly with the university. Alternatively, regularly raising awareness of different types of support throughout the application process may prompt them to seek support.
• Students may be more willing to share their circumstances if you explain that contextual factors are considered when universities review applications. Explain that certain characteristics, which are often linked to education disruption and disadvantage (e.g. care experience, coming from an Armed Forces family, having caring responsibilities, or being the child of a prisoner) is important contextual information. Read more about contextual offers.
• Reassure them that information about any circumstances shared via UCAS (or directly with the university) is treated sensitively and is only ever used to connect them to the right support. It will not disadvantage them, but instead give the university a more complete picture of their circumstances.
• Where appropriate, encourage students to discuss any skills or characteristics their circumstances have developed or inspired their choices, in their personal statement. This should only be included if it's directly relevant to their application.
• With the student’s permission, use the reference to highlight any issues or challenges which may have affected their attainment or performance. No student’s experience is the same but common experiences include taking time off to visit parents in prison, having to move home and/or school, and losing or changing a primary caregiver.      

Post-application and offers

• Prompt students to apply for student finance early (including Disabled Students’ Allowance where relevant).
• Ensure they have checked their eligibility for other financial support, including bursaries and scholarships, and help them to apply in good time.

During Confirmation and Clearing

If the student is using Clearing to find a place, advise them to speak to the university or college about any support needs before making a final decision. 

Preparing for the transition to university or college

Make sure they know who to contact at university or college if they have any questions or problems when they arrive.  

Further support and resources

• The National Information Centre of Children of Offenders (NICCO) supports professionals working with the children of imprisoned parents. They offer resources and training you might find useful to support them.
• The Prison Advice and Care Trust supports prisoners and their families, including resources to support children and young people. They also operate the Prisoners’ Families Helpline which offers free, confidential support and advice to families in England and Wales.
• Students in Scotland can get support from Families Outside, which offers useful information and resources, including on-demand webinars.
• Students in Northern Ireland can get support through NIACRO’s Family Links Service.