Influencing policy
APF works with government departments, parliamentarians, NOMS and the Prison Service to bring about change. APF influences policy in a number of ways:
Through its campaigning and lobbying work , working with the media, partner organisations and government departments to raise awareness , publicising our own and other peoples'/organisations' research , promoting the voices of prisoners' families , and through its submissions and responses . Below are some of our current areas of work which will influence policy.
Informing policy
Government consultation September 2010
The coalition government have initiated numerous consultations across departments. For further details of how to make submissions click here .
Making Prisons more Family Friendly
APF's Family Friendly Challenge in 2006 and the National Playday in 2007 provided support, advice and encouragement for more than half of our prisons to run family friendly visits or one-off family days. The events were so successful and popular with staff, prisoners' families and prisoners themselves that a further Family Friendly Challenge, linked to the National Year of Reading took place in autumn 2008. This was in partnership with Campaign for Learning, Writers in Prison Network, Storybook Dads, the Reading Agency, Bookstart and the Prison Service. In 2010 a Family Friendly Prison Challenge is being held in collaboration with the Big Draw. Click here to find out more.
Setting the Agenda for Prisoners' Families
The Agenda for Action (see below to download) launched in December 2007 by APF, CLINKS, Prison Advice & Care Trust (Pact) and the Prison Reform Trust sets out recommendations for Government on the maintenance of family ties, the effective resettlement of prisoners and the welfare of their children and families for the coming 5 years.
Improving Practice for those Working with the Families of Prisoners
APF was a member of the advisory group for the SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence) research into the children of prisoners. A web-based resource guide bringing together resources and research about the importance of maintaining family ties for children of prisoners was produced as a result of the group's recommendations. It highlights practice from across the UK, gives an overview of the literature and offers a range of contacts and links to experts, organisations and materials for raising awareness and helping professionals support affected children. www.scie.org.uk
Agenda for Action
'APF has always been very dedicated in their work. They have thrived on change and through this our own organisation has become more aware of difficulties families face and how to overcome barriers.'