CHILDREN with parents in jail in Dartmoor Prison will soon have improved play facilities during visits. The prison will receive a grant of more than £80,000 over the next three years from a Big Lottery Fund grant of £243,437 presented to Prison Advice and care Trust (PACT) last week. PACT will use the money from the fund's Playful Ideas programme to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for children, in what can be an intimidating environment, and to help maintain positive long-term relationships with their parents. With the grant, PACT will extend the support and play opportunities it can offer to children visiting Dartmoor, Exeter or Channings Wood prison to see family members. PACT aims to get the best out of the limited time available for both the parent and visiting child and to improve the confidence of the child, helping them feel calmer and happier with the experience. Dan Howell, PACT South West development manager, said: 'This award will allow us to make the visiting process easier for children, it will enable us to be sensitive to their needs and provide better play equipment. 'Within the visiting hall and in extended 'Family days' we will work with parent, family and child to encourage greater interaction through play and to help the imprisoned parent to understand how such play can help to build positive and sustained relationships. 'Our project considers the welfare of a marginalised group of children in the immediate term, but importantly, research will state, the maintenance and development of a strong family bond will greatly enhance their future prospects and social inclusion.'
