Published 22.05.2025
by Kids’ Own
by Kids’ Own
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A children's arts organisation and publishing house.
New book highlights the voices of children with a parent in prison
Last Thursday, 15th May, The Ark in Dublin was filled with warmth, honesty and hope as children, families and partners came together to launch Keep up Hope — a powerful new book created by children who have, or have had, a parent in prison.
Developed by Kids’ Own Publishing in collaboration with Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT), and through workshops with Bedford Row Family Project and Shelton Abbey, the book puts children’s lived experiences at the centre.
The launch event featured a moving Q&A session with the young authors, who spoke candidly about their lives, the challenges they face, and what could be done differently to support children like them. Among their recommendations were:
Longer visits with their parent in prison
More space to play and connect during visits
Better information and support for children when a parent is sent to prison
Their voices were clear: children need to be listened to, and their perspectives must shape policy and practice.
Speakers on the day included:
Senator Lynn Ruane
Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children (via video)
Professor Philip Jaffé, United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (via video)
Each message reinforced what the children had already made powerfully clear — that their voices matter, and that meaningful change must begin by hearing them.
The event closed with sunshine and cake — and later, the children were invited to Leinster House, where they met Mary Lou McDonald and shared more of their thoughts and ideas.
Keep up Hope will be available to buy soon from the Kids’ Own website.
Our sincere thanks to RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, Community Foundation Ireland for supporting this important project.
Read more about this important project here: https://kidsown.ie/kids-own-and-irish-penal-reform-trust-project-is-underway/