Every child in Aotearoa deserves to stride into the future with confidence, no matter their circumstances.
Today, an estimated 17,000 tamariki with a parent in prison face invisible barriers of trauma, stigma and isolation. These barriers exist through no fault of their own and limit their ability to access the support they need.
Over the years, steps have been taken to improve outcomes for tamariki impacted by whānau incarceration, yet significant challenges remain.
By first understanding these challenges—grounded in research and lived experience—we can create pathways toward evidence-based, whānau-centred solutions. This is a critical step in building a community where every child has the support they need to create positive futures.
Navigating the Justice System: A Whānau Perspective
Arrest: What to Expect
The arrest of a family member is often an overwhelming experience. It can happen suddenly, leaving whānau feeling helpless, confused, and uncertain about what comes next.
Their questions can be: What does this mean for our family? How do we explain this to the children? Where do we turn for support?
Court Proceedings and Parenting Arrangements
From the moment of arrest, a family enters the justice system—a complex and often intimidating process.
Many whānau struggle to navigate legal requirements, guardianship decisions, and court orders. Many factors can also prevent access to legal support, such as socio-cultural constraints, technology and information or providers' accessibility.
Meanwhile, families must prepare for the possibility of imprisonment and the practical challenges it brings—childcare, housing, finances, and the emotional toll it takes on familial well-being (Gordon, 2018).
Sentencing and the Ripple Effect
When a parent goes to prison, whānau often describe feeling as though they, too, are serving a sentence in the community.
The loss of parental support places added strain on caregivers. Tamariki may experience social stigma and shame, leading to isolation and withdrawal, as well as long-term health challenges and disruption in education (Taylor, 2016).
Visits to prison come with logistical and emotional challenges—long travel distances, intimidating environments, and limited spaces for meaningful connection (Thomas, 2023). While there have been improvements, there is little systemic recognition of the needs and voices of tamariki impacted by whānau incarceration.
Lived-Experience Solutions for Change
Within the current system, there is a lack of routine support to identify and assist tamariki with a parent in prison. This leaves their well-being dependent on their overwhelmed whānau network (Gordon, 2018). To change this, research suggests:
Improve access to support
Enhance prison visitation policies
Introduce a dedicated advocate to work alongside tamariki and whānau throughout the justice process.
By acknowledging the invisible barriers tamariki face, we take the first step toward addressing those challenges.
The solution lies in creating support systems centred around the voice of the child—ensuring that their needs, experiences, and aspirations guide the way forward.
The Bill of Rights for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration is a key part of this vision, advocating for tangible, child-focused changes within the justice system.
Together, we can break the cycle of intergenerational offending and help create positive futures for every child in Aotearoa.
Sources:
“Resources and Education.” Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, pillars.org.nz/resources-and-education
“Impact on Parental Incarceration on Children.” Her Honour Justice Susan Thomas, Fiona Guy Kidd KC, Stacey Shortall. October 2023. Webinar.
“What happens in a child’s world when their parent(s) goes to jail?” Geoffrey Taylor. Massey University. 2016.
“Contemporary Research & Analysis on the Children of Prisoners.” Liz Gordon. June 2018.
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