The “VOL Rodinu” Project Nears Completion: Supporting Parents in Prison

The VOL Rodinu project (Reg. No. CZ.03.02.02/00/22_017/0000254), which runs until the end of this year, focuses on supporting mothers and fathers serving prison sentences.

It helps them strengthen their parenting skills and sense of responsibility, increasing their chances of successful reintegration into society — and above all, regaining their role as parents.

What is the aim of the project?

Parenting in prison is complex. The relationship with a child is burdened by physical separation and long-term feelings of loss, guilt, or helplessness.

VOL Rodinu offers parents the opportunity to reflect on what their parental role means and prepares them to take it on again.

The project provides space for:

• developing communication skills with their children,

• working with emotions and responsibility,

• managing difficult family situations,

• planning for release and rebuilding family contact.

VOLONTÉ Children’s Days

One of the most popular aspects of the project has been the VOLONTÉ Children’s Days, held in Rýnovice, Světlá nad Sázavou, and Kynšperk nad Ohří prisons.

Children and their parents were able to spend time together in an environment that, for a moment, resembled a real home.

Games, laughter, touch, and heartfelt conversations – all became part of a powerful and unforgettable experience.

For many children, it was their first extended contact with a parent in months or even years. For the parents, it served as a strong motivation to stay connected and improve their situation.

What do incarcerated parents take away?

Alongside emotions and new experiences, also practical skills:

• How to prepare for returning to the family?

• How to rebuild a child’s trust?

• How to manage parenthood after release?

The project supports not only social reintegration but also prevention of reoffending. It helps rebuild healthy family bonds, which are essential for both the parent and the child.

Parenthood as motivation to return

Even though the project has not yet ended, its impact is already clear.

Incarcerated parents who participated now have a greater chance of becoming a meaningful part of their children’s lives.

And in the context of imprisonment, that may well be the greatest possible value.

The VOL Rodinu project, Reg. No. CZ.03.02.02/00/22_017/0000254, is supported by the Employment Plus Operational Programme, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).