'I got my life back:' Limerick artists and authors chronicle prison impact

A GROUP of young artists and authors from Limerick's Bedford Row Family Project have launched a deeply moving book which captures the lived realities of children growing up with a parent in prison.

This new project, developed out of a collaboration between Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership and Irish Penal Reform Trust, and supported by Community Foundation Ireland’s Toy Show Appeal, offers a glimpse into the lives of children and young people navigating the complexities of having a parent in prison – voices and stories which are often unheard and unrecognised.

In ‘Keep up Hope: Stories and Artwork by Children and Young People with a Parent in Prison’, children and young people share their experiences of parental imprisonment highlighting the pain of separation and the challenges of simply keeping in contact through their own words and drawings.

The book vividly captures the complexities of their emotions from the anxiety often caused by prison security procedures and having to communicate through a screen, to the simple pleasure of sharing a bag of sweets during a visit and the sheer joy when a parent is released.

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Alison Curtin, project leader with Bedford Row said: “We are incredibly proud of all our kids who took part in this project.. they epitomise Bedford row and what we hope to achieve. We were honoured to be part of this fantastic book!

“I got my life back, because mostly it’s your mum who makes your home happy,” shares one young author, highlighting the impact of their mother’s return from prison.

Longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, Senator Lynn Ruane, said: “This book is more than just a collection of stories; it is a testament to the strength and adaptability of children as well as the power of their positivity and humour. It also features invaluable advice from these young people for other children with a parent in prison, demonstrating their remarkable wisdom, empathy and a desire to support others in their situation."

Kids’ Own Associate Writer Mary Branley, who worked closely with the children on this project, said:

“Keep up Hope is a book full of love, wisdom and guidance written by children with a parent in prison. Kids' Own Artist, Maree Hensey, and I met the children in art workshops, in collaboration with the IPRT, Bedford Row Limerick, and families of prisoners in Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow.

"Drawn directly from their experience of ‘doing time’ while separated from a parent, this book explores a range of issues — from coping with the situation, to what to expect when entering the prison, to visiting a loved one, and finding help and support from Bedford Row in sharing stories of truth and hope.”

‘Keep up Hope’ is an important resource for parents, families, teachers, social workers and anyone seeking to understand and support children with a parent in prison.