Changing Mindsets, Changing Minds: Conference on the Rights of Children of Offenders 05/12/2014

Children whose parents have been incarcerated have often been referred to as “invisible victims of crime and the penal system”. It is well accepted that the absence of a parent for a prolonged period of time will affect the physical and mental well-being of all family members including children. Moreover, it can affect the academic performance of children and may trigger bullying and social exclusion. It will inevitably impact negatively on the family’s finances. At the same time, evidence shows that supporting prisoner’s families has positive outcomes for them as well as the wider community with prisoners being more likely to successfully reintegrate as a result.

UCC School of Law are hosting a one day international Conference of an interdisciplinary nature highlighting the rights of children affected by family imprisonment. The aim of this innovative event is to bring together key professionals, researchers as well as those actively working in this area to share best practice and knowledge.

Keynote speakers will include the world renowned Justice Albie Sachs, a former Judge from the South African Constitutional Court. Other international experts in this area will share their specialist expertise such as Ben Raikes, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Huddersfield and Lucy Gampell, President of Children of Prisoners Europe. This event will also provide a platform for the NGO sector as well as those directly affected by family imprisonment. A unique Children’s Art exhibition, to be hosted in Jennings Art Gallery UCC, will provide attendees with a critical insight into the views of children and young people affected by imprisonment in Ireland.

Kindly sponsored by the IRC, CCJHR & UCC Strategic Fund
Keynote speaker Justice Albie Sachs – Former Judge of the South African Constitutional Court
High profile speaker Ben Raikes, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Huddefield; Lucy Gampell, President, Children of Prisoners Europe

CPD points: 5
Start time: 8.45 a.m. to 5.30pm.

Drinks reception to follow.

Programme available shortly at http://www.ucc.ie/en/lawsite/eventsandnews/
For registration details: please contact School of Law, Events Manager: Noreen Delea ; 021 4903220.
For event information please contact the conference conveners: Dr Fiona Donson () /Dr Aisling Parkes ()

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