The value of life itself has deteriorated to the point where “live fast and die young” seems to be the order of the day.

Dr. Fuad Khan, in a unique approach to the problem, formally submitted to the Minister of National Security a Draft Policy Paper with regard to allowing children to visit their parents in jail.

The report noted that children whose parents are serving a prisons term are five to six times more likely to be imprisoned themselves than their peers. In essence, he argued that government should develop a policy that would bridge the emotional disconnect that exists when a parent is imprisoned.

He also stated that children, rather than be shielded, must be exposed to their parents and learn that there are consequences to one’s actions.

The report reads: “Most children of parents in jail experience a broad range of emotions including fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, loneliness and guilt.

They may exhibit low self-esteem, depression and emotional withdrawal from friends and family.

They may also begin to act out inappropriately, become disruptive in the classroom, or engage in other antisocial behaviours.

“Often, their academic performance deteriorates and they develop other school-related difficulties.

“These emotional and behavioural difficulties have been linked to a variety of factors, including the stress of the parent-child separation, the child’s identification with the jailed parent, social stigma and attempts to deceive children about their parent’s imprisonment.

“The extent to which these difficulties are tied to factors from the imprisonment itself -- such as poor parenting or the criminal behaviour of the parent -- has not yet been explored.”

The imprisonment of women and the impact on children, as was the case of Hilary Narine, has become an increasingly prominent area of interest. Studies throughout several jurisdictions have revealed that women are commonly the primary and sometimes sole caretaker of their children prior to imprisonment.

The differences in the level of upheaval when comparing the lives of children of male and female prisoners is suggestive of the potential variance in how the experience of a parent’s imprisonment impacts on the children involved.

R. Shaw, in his article Prisoners’ children and politics: An aetiology of victimisation published in Children and Society states, “many of these children, it is clear, may suffer more pain than their criminal parent in prison or even the original crime victim.”

Dr. Khan, in his Draft Policy Paper argues for children to be allowed to visit their parents in prison and particularly for the enhancement of the social welfare department.

He also insists on the improvement of the various arms of state responsible for the safety, security and well-being of children, who are by far the most vulnerable citizens.

The Member of Parliament makes an interesting point in presenting his case. The report states: “It is tempting to characterise these children as no more or less vulnerable as other children under the social welfare department, but they are different in ways that make them and their families a challenging population to serve.

“These children may also have unique therapeutic needs resulting from the criminal be-haviours exhibited by their parents prior to imprisonment …

“In addition, these children have unique casework (social welfare department) needs because the judicial system here in Trinidad and Tobago makes it difficult for parents, children, guardians and social workers to maintain contact with one another and to plan for the child’s future.”

The Draft Policy Paper also made the point that these children are susceptible to mental, physical and sexual abuse once their parent has been put behind bars.

Their futures remain uncertain, and perhaps as a result, they are scared for the rest of their lives. The report continues: “Just as imprisonment is a symptom of more complex family problems, it also provides an opportunity for assessment of at-risk children and families, identification of broader family issues, and comprehensive intervention.

“Both the judiciary and the social services arm of the state have a stake in collaboration because effective intervention with imprisoned parents may decrease the likelihood that the parent will re-offend and improve the chances that children will be reunited with their parents or find permanency with other families in a timely manner.”

The report that was submitted to the Minister of National Security on May 12, 2006 makes several recommendations:

* Allow children to visit their parents in prison;

* Closer collaboration between the various arms of state, including the judiciary, social services and finance;

* Greater involvement of Vision on Mission in the rehabilitation of prisoners and the reunification of families post imprisonment;

* Undertaking of qualitative and quantitative research on the effect of parental imprisonment on children;

* Introduction of a “Living Interactive Family Education” (LIFE) programme to encourage the development of the family.

This should be acted upon after the initial visitation programme has been established.

The increasing rate of parents being jailed for a variety of crimes poses a unique challenge -- and raises many questions for the Social Welfare Department.

To meet this challenge -- and best serve the needs of these children and families -- authorities should consider creating a comprehensive strategy that includes developing and promoting a research agenda; identifying and addressing the emotional and mental needs of children whose parents have been imprisoned; clarifying the role of the social welfare department; promoting the accessibility of family preservation; developing methods for facilitating visits between children and their imprisoned parents; enhancing work with children, parents and guardians; identifying and addressing the special permanency needs of this population; and developing methods for collaboration with the judiciary.

Given the horrific incidences perpetrated against children in our society, we must begin to act in several dimensions if we are to save what is quickly becoming a lost generation.

This is perhaps one way to deal with the problem and I wish to congratulate Dr. Khan on this fine effort.

Other Members of Parliament, government or opposition, will do well to emulate this approach towards developing policy rather than engage in the mindless cut and trust of party politics.

The people are looking for leadership!