Post by Pedro das Neves

On April 7, we had the privilege of participating in the inauguration of the Espaço Criança (Children's Space) at the Leiria Youth Prison (EPL-J) in Portugal — a moment that coincided with the facility's 79th anniversary and carried a significance far beyond the date. The project, promoted and managed by APROXIMAR Cooperativa de Solidariedade Social under the BPI Fundação La Caixa Childhood Award and supported by IPS — "Projeto Criança" — tackles one of the most invisible consequences of incarceration: its impact on children. A family visiting room has been transformed into a warm, safe, age-appropriate environment where children of young people serving sentences can experience visits that nurture — rather than damage — their emotional bonds. A new playground at the prison entrance now turns what was once an anxious wait into a moment of play and healthy development. As social investor in this initiative representing IPS_Innovative Prison Systems | ICJS Innovative Criminal Justice Solutions, I'm deeply proud of was achieved here. This is exactly the kind of evidence-informed, rights-based intervention our sector needs more of — one that recognises that when a parent is incarcerated, the sentence should never extend to their children. It was an honour to share this moment with representatives from Aproximar, DGRSP, Banco BPI / Fundación "la Caixa", award evaluators, and institutional partners who understand that investing in children's well-being within the justice system is not optional — it is essential. Children don't choose their circumstances. But we can choose to protect their right to a healthy bond with their parents. Joana Patuleia, Ana Rita Alves Lourenço, Tiago Leitão #ChildrensRights #CriminalJustice #Corrections #ChildWellbeing #SocialInvestment #HumanizingJustice #IPS #ICJS #Rehabilitation #FamilyBonds #Portugal