Families of people in prison are often described as serving a “hidden sentence”.

Even though they have not committed an offence, they frequently experience judgement, exclusion, and disadvantage because of their connection to someone in the criminal justice system.

Through the Clinks Families Network, we have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which we set out our shared commitment to reducing and ultimately eliminating this stigma. This blog introduces why doing so matters, and what needs to change.

What do we mean by stigma?

Stigma refers to the negative labels and assumptions placed on individuals or groups who are perceived to fall outside accepted social norms.

It is not only about attitudes, but how stigma can shape how people are treated, how services respond, and how individuals come to see themselves.

Stigma operates at multiple levels, including:

• Public stigma, which relates to negative attitudes and behaviours directed towards people and families
• Internalised stigma, which occurs when those affected internalise these perceptions,
• Structural stigma, which refers to the way policies, systems, and institutions can reinforce disadvantage.

These forms of stigma are interconnected and often reinforce one another.

The impact on families

For families of people in prison, stigma is not abstract. It is experienced in everyday life.

The prison visit process can be particularly challenging. Families often describe feelings of anxiety, judgement, and humiliation, with security procedures reinforcing a sense of being treated as a potential risk rather than as a supportive family member.

Over time, stigma experience by families can lead to social isolation, withdrawal, and a reluctance to seek help or disclose their situation. Many families experience emotional distress, reduced wellbeing, and increased pressure on already stretched relationships.

As highlighted by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT), many families choose not to speak about their situation due to fear of judgement.

Stigma rarely exists in isolation, and often intersects with poverty, race, gender, and other forms of inequality, deepening disadvantage and limiting access to support.

The impact on children and young people

Children with a parent in prison often carry what can feel like an invisible burden.

They may experience stigma by association, often referred to as courtesy stigma, which can affect their sense of identity, belonging, and safety.

This can include bullying, exclusion, and feelings of shame, confusion, or anxiety. Some children develop low self-esteem, while others feel pressure to keep their family circumstances secret.

Without appropriate support, these experiences can have long-term effects on mental health, education, and life chances.

Stigma is socially produced, and can be changed

As highlighted in a 2024 report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, stigma is socially produced and plays a role in maintaining inequality.

Media narratives, public discourse, and institutional practices all shape how families of people in prison are perceived. Too often, these narratives rely on stereotypes and dehumanising language.

However, stigma is not fixed. As society has changed its views on other issues over time, it can also change how it understands and responds to families affected by imprisonment.

Changing language, amplifying lived experience, and promoting fair and accurate representation are all part of this shift.

A shared commitment to change

The Clinks Families Network MOU represents a collective commitment to:

• Challenge stigma across systems and services
• Amplify the voices of children and families
• Promote fair and accurate public narratives
• Support children and young people in schools and communities
• Strengthen partnership working across sectors
• Address the inequalities that compound stigma

This work requires a shared effort across health, justice, education, and the voluntary sector.

Why this matters

Families play a vital role in supporting rehabilitation and resettlement. When families are supported, outcomes improve, not only for individuals in prison, but also for children, communities, and wider society.

Reducing stigma is therefore not only a matter of fairness, but also essential to building a more effective and humane system.

Looking ahead

This MOU is a starting point. Real change will come from how these commitments are translated into practice, policy, and public understanding.

By working together, and by listening to the voices of those with lived experience, we can challenge stigma and create a system that recognises the dignity and value of every family.