Thanks to the Forte Charitable Foundation, we at CASS+ have been able to provide valuable support to people impacted by a family member going through the Criminal Justice System in Cornwall.
Family members are often on the sidelines of court proceedings, and yet, they experience a very real impact. This is where CASS+ steps in, with support to navigate a complicated journey.
Long wait
Unfortunately, cases can take a long time to get to court. The wait is extremely stressful for everyone involved. And, when sentencing finally occurs, family members can suffer socially, financially and emotionally for years to come.
Hidden sentence
Families may find themselves placed at a distinct disadvantage because of circumstances beyond their control. For them, it can become a hidden sentence. Long term, this hidden sentence can be felt through the generations.
Sentencing is a very difficult moment
Court processes are emotionally charged and families feel the impact. Sentencing is a very difficult moment. If a family member is found guilty, emotions run high. At this point, the family is left feeling very vulnerable, with a lot of unanswered questions. This is when CASS+ steps in to fill the gaps with in-depth help. Most importantly, our team offers practical advice and emotional support, along with extra assistance for communication.
What happens next?
Many of the families we meet are frightened, anxious and unsure about what happens next. Early intervention and coordinated support can make a big difference to their future in these crucial moments. Possibly, they will need help with a range of issues like housing, mental health and / or loneliness and isolation.
A prison sentence may separate loved ones by walls, but it should never take away hope, dignity, or the strength of family.
Catherine Nelder, Assistant Coordinator and Family Support Worker
Financial support
In some cases, families may have lost their main earner. So, immediate financial assistance may be needed. CASS+ can help to relieve financial pressure by making fresh benefits applications. Sometimes, we need to refer to our colleagues in debt management charities. Understandably, there may be an impact on mental health when a loved one is remanded. CASS+ will refer to a wealth of mental health services and counselling.
Making connections
It is devastating for anyone to witness a loved one remanded into custody. From this point, there can be instability, trauma and stigma that impact many aspects of life. We help them make the right connections. Primarily, we work with our partners across Cornwall to get these families the ongoing support they need. This way, they do not feel alone.
Family support varies from prison to prison
The services and agencies available differ from one prison to another. Most importantly, CASS+ is well-placed to provide advice on what’s available. We help to connect people with the right services, like PACT and the Prisoners’ Family Helpline, for instance.
No prisons in Cornwall
There are no prisons in Cornwall. As a result, families will always have a very long way to travel for visits. Unfortunately, the closest men’s prison is HMP Exeter in Devon and, for women, HMP Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire. Often, prisoners will find themselves much further away from home than expected. Again, CASS+ gives advice on contact and visits, along with help with expenses.
Progress over two years
Over the last two years, we’ve worked hard to get known for this specialist support in Cornwall. So far, we’ve been able to come alongside 26 families during the most challenging period of their lives.
We’ve made a lot of progress. We’re working hard to build on this success and reach out to more families facing this stressful situation.
Steve Parker, CEO, CASS+
193,000 children affected by parental imprisonment each year
There are currently around 193,000 children* with a parent in prison. Family members can be the forgotten victims, scared, and unsure about the future. This is where CASS+ offers ongoing practical and emotional support to help them navigate this complicated journey.
New government plan to give every child the best possible start
Thankfully, government has announced a new plan to support these families and to give every child the best possible start in life. We welcome the recent government pilot initiative to identify children with a parent in prison at the earliest possible stage. We agree that children in these circumstances need to be provided with support as soon as possible. Working with the Department for Education, government will recognise these ‘hidden’ children and connect families to vital support – from education and mental health services, to help in their local community.
No family should suffer because of what’s happened. That’s why we’re making sure they are supported from the initial referral, the journey through the Criminal Justice System, custody and beyond.
Debbie Mullis, Cornwall Coordinator, CASS+
Find out more
Download our leaflet here.
Support through court
If you need support before, during or after a family member is sentenced to prison, or if they are attending a court hearing, and you live in Cornwall, you can book a free, confidential appointment now.
Support is available face-to-face or remotely:
Call Truro on 01872 274104 or email truro@cassplus.org
Or Bodmin on 01208 78003 or email bodmin@cassplus.org
*Source: Ministry of Justice, 8 July 2026