Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Understanding the Impacts and Experiences of Children Currently Experiencing Parental Imprisonment

This study aims to understand the experiences and needs of young people, aged 16 and older, when a parent goes to prison. We know this can be a very difficult time, and we want to hear directly from these young people, as well as their non-offending parent or caregiver. We will also talk to professionals who work with these families. Currently, over 100,000 children in England and Wales are affected by a parent being in prison. We want to find out what challenges they face and what support they need, so we can help improve things for them in the future. This is a very important topic that often doesn't get enough attention.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Parental Imprisonment

What is this study about?

This important study wants to understand what it's like for children aged 16 and above when one of their parents goes to prison. We know this can be a very challenging and upsetting time, and it's often compared to losing a parent through death or divorce because of the feelings of sadness and confusion it can bring. The study wants to hear directly from these young people to understand how they are affected and what kind of support they need.

Many studies have shown that having a parent in prison can lead to difficulties like sadness, trouble concentrating at school, sleep problems, loneliness, and financial worries. It can also make young people feel ashamed or isolated. However, there hasn't been much research directly asking children how they feel and cope with this difficult experience. This study aims to fill that gap by giving these young people a voice.

To get a full picture, the researchers won't just talk to the young person. They will also speak to their non-offending parent, caregiver, or guardian. Additionally, they will interview professionals, like social workers or counsellors, who have worked with these families. By gathering information from different perspectives, the study hopes to get a deeper understanding of the challenges involved and identify the best ways to provide help and support.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand what it's like for young people (aged 16+) when a parent goes to prison.
It involves speaking with young people, their caregivers, and professionals.
The goal is to find out what impacts children and what support they need.
Over 100,000 children in England and Wales are affected by parental imprisonment.
Your experiences can help improve future support for families.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for a few different groups of people.

Firstly, we are looking for young people who are currently aged 16 or older and whose parent is in prison. It's important that their parent's imprisonment happened while they were living in the UK, and they must not have been the direct victim of their parent's crime.

Secondly, we need parents, caregivers, or guardians of a young person (who fits the description above) whose parent is currently in prison. You must be the current caregiver, and not the parent who is in prison yourself. Lastly, we are looking for professionals, like teachers or support workers, who have worked with families affected by a parent's imprisonment for at least a month, and the imprisonment happened in the UK.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 16 or over?
Is one of your parents currently in prison?
Was your parent imprisoned while you were in the UK?
Are you NOT the direct victim of your parent's offence?
Are you the non-imprisoned parent/caregiver of a young person described above?
Are you a professional who has worked with such a family for at least one month?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to do one or two things. If you are a young person or a non-offending parent/caregiver, you will have a semi-structured interview, which means it's a guided conversation where you can share your experiences. If you are a professional, you will also have a semi-structured interview about your work with affected families. These interviews will help the researchers understand different viewpoints. The study will not involve any medication or follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, as sharing your experiences might be helpful for you, and your contribution will help improve support for other families dealing with parental imprisonment. There are very few risks involved; however, discussing difficult experiences might bring up strong emotions. You are free to stop the interview at any time or choose not to answer any questions you find uncomfortable. Your decision to participate or withdraw will not affect any care or support you currently receive.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'parental imprisonment'?

It means one of your parents is in prison.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 16 and over whose parent is in prison, their non-offending parent/caregiver, and professionals working with these families.

What will I have to do if I join?

You will have a conversation (interview) with a researcher to share your experiences and thoughts.

Will my information be kept private?

The researchers will protect your privacy and the information you share.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand the challenges children face when a parent is in prison, so we can provide better support for them.

How to find out more

Kyra Wardle

kyra.wardle@nottingham.ac.uk 07804159004 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.