Fathers: Prisoners' Release
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the answer of 20 April 2026 to question 125953, whether the resources provided by Best Start for Life Family Hubs includes guidance for fathers who have been released from prison on co-parenting and handling children's emotional response.
Answered by Olivia Bailey
Best Start Family Hubs provide a welcoming, non-stigmatising space for families to get help, or simply meet other parents and access peer support. They offer evidence-based parenting programmes and tailored support to strengthen relationships, promote positive co-parenting, and support children’s social and emotional development.
The recently published Best Start Family Hubs guidance sets clear expectations for local authorities to provide inclusive, accessible, and joined‑up support for families facing disadvantage or disruption, to ensure they receive holistic, practical support that reflects the realities of their lives, eases pressures, and helps children thrive. This guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-family-hubs-and-healthy-babies-guidance-for-local-authorities.
Local authorities are expected to take a proactive outreach approach with voluntary and community partners, to engage family groups and reduce barriers to accessing services. Within this flexible, locally-led model, they can tailor integrated support, including for families affected by imprisonment, such as those with a parent in custody or returning home, helping to rebuild relationships and improve children’s wellbeing.
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