Families Outside’s Impact Report for 2020/2021 is now available on their website.
This year, Families Outside celebrates its 30th anniversary. They have seen incredible change in that time, from the focus, operation, and size of their staff team, to the firmer placement of the families we support on the agendas of key agencies and the continuation of highly constructive international links.
2020/21 was a particularly challenging year for the organisation and for the families we support. They began the financial year in lockdown at a time of enormous upheaval for the entire country. Families with a loved one in prison were desperate for information about what was happening inside prisons, how their loved ones were coping, and how they would be kept safe. Prison visiting arrangements were suspended or operated under significant restrictions throughout the year. Many children were unable to see their parents in prison for months on end. The impact of the pandemic was felt across the justice system, with lengthy delays in outcomes from court processes and a steady rise in the numbers of people held in prison on remand. We are only now beginning to develop a picture of the real and long-term impact of this on relationships and outcomes for people in prison and their families.
Families Outside are pleased to share the story of their progress over 2020-21. Families Outside can only achieve its outcomes through devoted and hard-working staff, students, and volunteers as well as a tremendously well-qualified and supportive Board.