Parental imprisonment is explored through Dylan’s own voice, making the story suitable for children who have a dad, parent or close family member in prison. Dylan explains that he felt confused and shocked when his dad was arrested, but also shows that children are not alone and that trusted adults can help them understand what is happening.
The booklet begins with Dylan introducing his family, including his mum, dad and dog Lola, before describing what life was like before prison. The early pages show ordinary, positive memories with his dad, such as baking cakes, playing computer games and building forts, which helps children see that loving memories can still matter even when a parent has made a mistake.
The story then moves into the arrest, with Dylan waking to banging and shouting, knowing his dad had gone but not understanding what had happened. This makes it a useful child-friendly prison story for talking about a parent being arrested, police involvement, separation anxiety, missing dad, and the mixed feelings children may have when they do not know the details of an offence.
Parents, carers, kinship carers, teachers, social workers, family support workers and counsellors could use the booklet one-to-one with primary-aged children, especially those affected by a father in prison or parental imprisonment. It can be read slowly, paused at key moments, and used to invite questions about feelings, trusted adults, prison visits and what might help the child feel safer.
The booklet is presented as Dylan’s journey from the arrest through to visiting his dad in prison and feeling more settled, with support from his mum, friends, teacher Mr Green and Breaking Barriers worker Lucy. Created by Ormiston Families with input from children and young people who shared their experiences, it offers a gentle way to begin conversations that are often hard for children to start.
