Families of incarcerated people are INVISIBLE.
Currently, no government department in Australia has a clear mandate or lead responsibility to support families of individuals involved with the justice system. Children of imprisoned parents are ‘an invisible group’ to policymakers.
There is no formal requirement for police, courts or corrections to enquire about parenting status or the status of any affected children.
(Inquiry into children affected
by parental incarceration. The Victorian Council of Social Service. 2022).
Incarceration can be intergenerational when families and children do not receive timely and appropriate support. Cycles of trauma and disadvantage typically contribute to intergenerational incarceration. ( The Victorian Council of Social Service )
Tony Bull, alias Ted Bull, served, in total, over 20 years in Risdon Prison, Tasmania, beginning in Ashley Youth Detention.
He is the Prisoner’s Legal Service member and Justice Reform Advocate today.
Tony talks about the loss of connection with his children due to incarceration.
Also, about Kids Days (New Beginnings) in prison, assisted by programs for fathers with no or very little parenting skills.
(Filmed in 2024, Hobart, Tasmania)
