Families Outside

23/06/2026

We were pleased to contribute to a Community of Practice event focused on Child Impact Assessments (CIAs), bringing together professionals from across social work, social care, health, education, policing, the third sector, the Scottish Prison Service and more.

Children with a parent in contact with the justice system often tell us they feel unseen and unheard, despite being deeply affected by decisions made around them. Child Impact Assessments help ensure children's voices, rights and needs are recognised and considered throughout a parent's justice journey.

The event welcomed 74 attendees from a wide range of sectors, highlighting a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. It was a fantastic example of collaborative working, with participants exploring how CIAs can support person-centred, rights-based practice and strengthen partnership working across services.

One of the most encouraging outcomes was the 65 written pledges made by attendees, demonstrating a commitment to recognising and supporting children and young people affected by a family member's involvement in the justice system.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive and inspiring session. We look forward to seeing this important work continue to grow and develop.

To learn more about CIAs, visit our website - https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/child-impact-assessments/

22/06/2026

💙 What happens when two children who have a parent in prison realise they're not alone?

One of our Family Support Workers found a creative way to help two children connect using a pair of Worry Monsters called Zig and Zag. Through letters shared via the monsters, the children were able to talk about their worries, support one another, and build a friendship despite never meeting in person.

Their story is a powerful example of how creative, child-centred support can help reduce isolation and create meaningful connections.

Read more on our website: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/helping-children-feel-less-alone-how-two-worry-monsters-created-an-unexpected-friendship/

19/06/2026

One of our Family Support Workers has been creating Memory Boxes with the children they support, providing a special place to keep treasured items that remind them of a loved one in prison, or things they would like to share when that person comes home.

Children can use their imagination to design their box however they choose – whether that's a castle, a stadium, a house, or something completely unique. Alongside being a creative activity, Memory Boxes can help open up conversations about the important people in a child's life and provide a safe space to explore feelings around missing someone.

If you're supporting a child or young person affected by imprisonment, our website offers a range of tools, resources and guidance to help start and navigate these important conversations.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/professionals/tools-resources/

17/06/2026

Have your say. Help shape the future of Scotland's Children's Hearings System.

Our Hearings, Our Voice (OHOV) is looking for children and young people aged 8–21 with current or recent experience of care and the Children's Hearings System to join its board of young advisors.

OHOV works to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard, valued and acted upon. By getting involved, young people can share their experiences, influence change, meet others with similar experiences, develop new skills and help improve the system for future generations.

If you know a young person who may be interested, or work with children and young people who could benefit from this opportunity, please share this with them.

Find out more and apply via the OHOV website: https://www.ohov.co.uk/recruitment/

Please help spread the word through your networks.

15/06/2026

Closing tomorrow! 📢

Families Outside is looking for a Regional Family Support Coordinator to join our East of Scotland team, supporting families across Edinburgh & the Lothians affected by imprisonment.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting families, reducing stigma, and helping improve outcomes for children and loved ones impacted by the justice system.

In this role, you’ll provide direct support to families, work alongside local partners and prison staff, and help raise awareness of the impact imprisonment can have on families and communities.

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, trauma-informed, rights-focused, and experienced in family, social or community support work.

💙 Join the only national charity in Scotland dedicated solely to supporting families affected by imprisonment.

🔗 Find out more & apply: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/about-us/recruitment/rfsc-edinburgh-lothians/

📅 Closing date: Tuesday 16th June 2026, 12pm

Please share with anyone who may be interested

11/06/2026

Children affected by parental imprisonment can often face complex challenges, yet their experiences can remain hidden and misunderstood.

This online session, Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents: No Contact at the End of the Spectrum, will explore the experiences of children who have little or no contact with an imprisoned parent, helping professionals better understand their needs and how to provide effective support.

The session is ideal for professionals working with children, young people and families across education, health, social care, youth work and the third sector.

Find out more and register:

Join us for an NCCIP webinar discussing issues relating to childern with incarcerated parents.

10/06/2026

📢 Closing soon!

Families Outside is looking for a Regional Family Support Coordinator to join our East of Scotland team, supporting families across Edinburgh & the Lothians affected by imprisonment.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting families, reducing stigma, and helping improve outcomes for children and loved ones impacted by the justice system.

In this role, you’ll provide direct support to families, work alongside local partners and prison staff, and help raise awareness of the impact imprisonment can have on families and communities.

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, trauma-informed, rights-focused, and experienced in family, social or community support work.

💙 Join the only national charity in Scotland dedicated solely to supporting families affected by imprisonment.

🔗 Find out more & apply: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/about-us/recruitment/rfsc-edinburgh-lothians/

📅 Closing date: Tuesday 16th June 2026, 12pm

Please share with anyone who may be interested

09/06/2026

Last week 56 individuals from across various educational settings, and 5 local authorities, attended the “A Child’s Experience Counts” event at HMP Addiewell.

It was an incredible turnout, and we really enjoyed speaking to attendees, many of whom had insightful questions about Child Impact Assessments, and how they can promote the rights of children impacted by imprisonment.

You can learn more about Child Impact Assessments on our website - https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/child-impact-assessments/

09/06/2026

Do you have a loved one in custody who may transfer to HMP Highland? We’re hosting an information event for friends, families and visitors who may be affected by this move.

You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the HMP Highland team, learn more about the project, and ask any questions you may have. Your feedback will also help shape the information we provide going forward.

📍 HMP Inverness visit room
📅 Saturday 4 July 2026
🕐 Session 1: 09:30 – 10:30
🕐 Session 2: 10:45 – 11:45

You must register in advance for these sessions. To book a place, please speak to the Family Contact Officer or email: [email protected]

Apex Highland

03/06/2026

📢 We’re recruiting!

Families Outside is looking for a Regional Family Support Coordinator to join our East of Scotland team, supporting families across Edinburgh & the Lothians affected by imprisonment.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting families, reducing stigma, and helping improve outcomes for children and loved ones impacted by the justice system.

In this role, you’ll provide direct support to families, work alongside local partners and prison staff, and help raise awareness of the impact imprisonment can have on families and communities.

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, trauma-informed, rights-focused, and experienced in family, social or community support work.

💙 Join the only national charity in Scotland dedicated solely to supporting families affected by imprisonment.

🔗 Find out more & apply: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/about-us/recruitment/rfsc-edinburgh-lothians/
📅 Closing date: Tuesday 16th June 2026, 12pm

Please share with anyone who may be interested