… as Relatives.
Imprisonment does not only affect the living condition of the convicted person. It also has an impact on the living conditions of their relatives. The imprisonment of a loved one means that relatives, such as children, parents and friends have to cope with many challenges.
Partners
In Germany, it is estimated that approximately 400,000 people are affected by the imprisonment of their partner. Often, they have to deal with the psychological, social and financial issues caused by the loss of their support person on their own.
In addition to the temporary loss of their significant-other, imprisonment also means a financial change for many relatives. Imprisonment of a partner usually results in the loss of income as well as financial benefits. This can have consequences for several areas of life at the same time.
Imprisonment of a partner may create a need for assistance. Under the heading Benefits, you will find some information on the topic and about basic financial security. In addition, the following page offers a lot of information as well:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/welcome
Support
The effects of imprisonment can vary. Matters have to be clarified and organised and new tasks are coming up.
The non-governmental offender support service helps people at risk of imprisonment and prisoners as well as relatives.
Contact information of the associations can be found here.
The Youth Welfare Office at the place of residence is competent to provide support and advice.
In Saxony-Anhalt, parents can also get support by calling the "Eltern Telefon Magdeburg" of the Deutscher Kinderschutzbund. See more here.
Living Space
The financial change may also come with a move to a less expensive or smaller apartment, since the costs of the previous apartment can no longer be paid due to the loss of an income.
For unemployment benefit II all persons living in the same living space count together as a benefit community (Bedarfsgemeinschaft). With imprisonment, the affected person does not count as a part of the benefit community anymore.
Thus, the size of the previous apartment can no longer be considered reasonable. It is possible that a move to a smaller and less expensive apartment may be required. Rent above the reasonable rent level will continue to be provided for a maximum of 6 months. In these 6 months, a new appropriate apartment should be found.
Child Benefit
Child benefit payments continue during the imprisonment of a partner. The competent authority is the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse). The Family Benefits Office must be informed of any changes such as permanent separation from the partner, change of address or bank details, etc.
Maintenance Payment
If the prisoner is obligated to pay maintenance, he or she is obligated to do so during the prison term as well. If the prisoner has financial means, for example, due to assets or other income, maintenance must still be paid.
If there are no financial means available, the maintenance advance can be applied for at the Youth Welfare Office.
Maintenance advance is a support for partners (now single parents) or relatives of a convicted person who is in imprisonment for 6 months or more.
Eligible for maintenance advance is a child who:
- has not completed the age of 12,
- lives with a single parent,
- does not receive maintenance from another parent,
- and is residing in Germany.
The maintenance advance payment is granted for a maximum period of 72 months.
The application for maintenance advance must be submitted to the Youth Welfare Office with the certificate of detention. There are special application forms that can be obtained either at the Youth Welfare Office or on the Internet on the homepages of the place of residence.
Children of Prisoners
Children are particulary affected by imprisonment.
Imprisonment inevitably involves separation between the imprisoned parent and the child. In this circumstance, children might feel a high level of distress. During the initial period of imprisonment children usually want many answers. Understandably, it's not always easy to find the right words and manage everything well alongside all the other many challenges.
“LUCA” is a project which supports children in these circumstances.
LUCA is a contact person for children with questions and concerns about an arrest or imprisonment of a loved one.
Children and other support persons have the opportunity to send a mail to LUCA and share their questions as well as concerns.
LUCA can be reached by mail as well as by e-mail. LUCA treats all information and data very confidentially!
Here you can find more information about LUCA and contact details!
There are also numerous books for children that address prison in a way that is appropriate for children. Here you'll find a list of children's books that can be read together with children as well as helpful additional links to online advice.