CAPO – CHILDREN AFFECTED BY PARENTAL OFFENDING
At everyFAMILY, we spearhead a regional initiative across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset to support Children Affected by Parental Offending (CAPO).
Our work includes:
Training:
We provide training for professionals (police, prisons, probation, health, social care, education) who work directly with families impacted by parental offending and imprisonment.
Support & Resources:
We serve as a point of contact for professionals seeking support or resources for families they are assisting.
CAPO Champions:
We facilitate a network of “CAPO Champions” – professionals across the region who can connect for CPD training, networking, and best practice sharing. Champions are the significant point of contact within their setting for those wishing to access CAPO support.
Parenting Courses:
We deliver parenting courses to fathers in HMP Bristol, aiming to maintain crucial family ties, which research (The Golden Thread – The Centre for Social Justice) has shown to reduce reoffending rates.
How does everyFAMILY support families affected by parental imprisonment?
Individualised Support:
Children: We offer 6-week interventions where children can:
- Express their feelings about family imprisonment.
- Learn coping mechanisms.
- Have their questions answered.
- Explore available support systems.
Parents and Carers: We support parents and carers by:
- Helping them manage their own emotions.
- Guiding them on how to address the children’s questions.
- Providing referrals for financial and other relevant support.
Group Support:
We facilitate monthly support groups for children and families to reduce feelings of isolation and stigma.
To combat stigma and reduce isolation for families impacted by parental imprisonment, we actively participate in networking events to raise awareness of this issue.
Parenting Courses for Parents in Prison
Course Delivery:
We work directly with fathers residing at HMP Bristol, facilitating parenting courses. Following course completion, we organise “Family Days” within the prison.
These events offer fathers the opportunity to receive their certificates and celebrate their course completion with their families:
- Family Bonding: Families spend quality time together, fostering stronger bonds.
- Building Relationships: Families build relationships with everyFAMILY staff, facilitating ongoing support.
- Community Reintegration: These interactions enable us to offer continued support to families within the community following their relative’s release.
Research and Partnership Working
We collaborate closely with The University of Bristol and are currently working with Dr Mine Conkbayir on research exploring the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and imprisonment in later life.
everyFAMILY serve as the nominated charity for Operation Paramount in Bristol & Somerset. This pilot, in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police, starting in July 2025 will aim to rapidly identify children with a parent in prison, targeting a swift offer of support for the whole family.
Interested in learning more about what we do, or perhaps collaborating? We’d love to hear from you! We’re always keen to connect with others and expand the support we can offer.
2025 Impact Data:
Professionals received training to raise awareness and develop the skills needed to support families affected by parental offending
Individuals benefited from our specialist support around parental imprisonment
Parents in prison completed a parenting course delivered by our team, focused on maintaining family relationships which research suggests reduces reoffending rates.
Join us for a FREE half-day training session on the impact of parental offending, delivered by everyFAMILY.
This practical workshop is aimed at professionals working with children, young people and families within South Gloucestershire.
31st March 2026
19th May 2026
