I had received no training about the impact of parental imprisonment on children, and the family, rather than being offered support, had experienced the stigma and shame that I now know are all too common.
Several years later, having regularly visited the children's mother in prison to involve her in her children’s education, an incidental question from a prison officer changed my life: “Why don’t all the mums in here get this kind of support?” I knew then that I had to leave teaching, a job I loved, to explore this gap.
The week I handed in my resignation, with no firm plan in mind, my mother happened to meet her friend and Churchill Fellow Liz Sutherland. Liz’s impromptu suggestion became another pivotal moment: “It would be good if Sarah could learn how other countries support children with a parent in prison; has she heard of the Churchill Fellowship?” I had not and promptly set about applying!
In 2012, I was awarded a Fellowship to consider the role of schools in supporting families affected by imprisonment. I travelled to Australia and America, visiting projects in prisons, schools, and the community that informed my vision for change. On my return, Prof Nancy Locks OBE, CEO of Families Outside, a charity that supports families in Scotland impacted by imprisonment, asked yet another question that opened a new door: “Could you present your Fellowship findings in the Scottish Parliament?” A job with Families Outside followed, based on implementing my Fellowship recommendations.
