One of PA Nepal’s most central tenets is protecting and supporting the family unit. Although PA Nepal cares for the children of prisoners in our children’s homes, every effort is made to ensure that children these remain connected to their parents and can be reunited upon their release.

For parents, this means that PA Nepal offers skills training to improve their confidence and belief that they are capable of taking care of their own children despite the social stigmatisation they may face upon release. After release, parents are offered emergency accommodation and support in finding permanent housing for their family. PA Nepal is also active in advocating for parents after their release to reduce the chance of family separation.

For the children, PA Nepal offers the chance to escape the horrors of prison whilst regularly being given the opportunity to visit their parents. In addition, the children’s home fosters a sense of fellowship and solidarity, as all the children have experienced life with an imprisoned parent. This means that they can talk openly about their feelings and experiences without fear of shame of humiliation, which they may face elsewhere.

Ensuring family reunions is of the utmost importance, as when families of ex-offenders become separated, the children become extremely vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, or become offenders themselves.