The VOL “Invisible Victims No More” Project Supports Children and Families Affected by Incarceration

The project VOL Invisible Victims No More (reg. no. CZ.03.02.02/00/24_066/0004673) focuses on supporting children and families affected by imprisonment. The organization VOLONTÉ draws on its extensive experience working with vulnerable families and so-called invisible victims—children whose parents are serving time—and addresses areas that remain insufficiently supported.

Project Objectives

The project targets several key areas:

• Programs for children living in institutional care (children’s homes),

• New programs for incarcerated parents,

• Counseling services for caregivers,

• Support for teachers working with affected children.

First Activities and a Successful Launch

The project was successfully launched, with the first few months already seeing the realization of a Family Day at Rýnovice Prison – A Colorful Day for Children and Parents, which created a space for shared experiences, games, and strengthening of family bonds between incarcerated parents and their children.

In cooperation with the organization Občankáři – Association of Civics Teachers, educational materials are also being developed for primary and secondary school teachers to better understand the challenges faced by children whose parents are in prison, and to support these educators in their work.

Workshop “What Do We Miss the Most?” – October 23, 2025

Another key activity is the upcoming expert workshop titled “What Do We Miss the Most?”, which will take place on October 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison. The workshop will focus on sharing experiences and expert insights in supporting incarcerated parents and their children. Participants will discuss institutional support, effective interventions, and systemic gaps.

Confirmed speakers include:

• PaedDr. Jana Koubová, Chairwoman of the Federation of Children’s Homes of the Czech Republic,

• Mgr. Štěpán Jílka, Commissioner for Institutional and Protective Education, Ministry of Education,

• Mgr. Jana Machová, Methodologist, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs,

• PhDr. Alois Daněk, Ph.D., educator and board member of FICE Czech Republic,

• Mgr. Tereza Vodičková, Chairwoman of the Association of Civics and Social Science Teachers,

• Mgr. Šárka Horáková, Social Worker at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison,

• and other professionals.

The workshop is held with the support of Světlá nad Sázavou Prison, represented by Brig. Gen. Mgr. Monika Myšičková, the prison director.

📩 Participation is by prior registration only via the following form:

👉 https://shorturl.at/EwmzL

Project Significance

The VOL Invisible Victims No More project provides comprehensive support to families that are often overlooked. By combining activities for children, parents, and educators, it ensures that all involved parties have access to necessary services, programs, and educational resources. The overarching goal is to strengthen family stability and increase the chances for children to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, even when one parent is incarcerated.

The project “VOL Invisible Victims No More”, reg. no. CZ.03.02.02/00/24_066/0004673, is supported by the Employment Plus Operational Programme and co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus.