When the innocent are punished

"Tells the story of prisoner's children - of their situation, problems and human rights - and how they are treated throughout the justice process from the arrest of a parent to imprisonment and release. Based on extensive research from across Europe, Scharff Smith argues that it is a paradox that we hail the family as a fundamental unit in our societies, and insist on regarding children as an especially valuable and vulnerable group of citizens, but at the same time break up families on a massive scale as a result of a conscious, planned and generally unquestioned policy of using imprisonment as a key sanction in the repertoire of punishments. Shedding light on various reform initiatives, this book assists in promoting good practice and improving the experience of children of imprisoned parents."--Provided by publisher.