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Family Services

Holding Families Plus

Specialist family support for parents in the criminal justice system.

Holding Families Plus is an enhanced version of our award-winning Holding Families programme, created for families where parental substance misuse is combined with involvement in the criminal justice system.

Whether a parent is on a community order or serving time in custody (e.g. HMP Styal), we provide support both before and after release. Our team works with the whole family to rebuild relationships, improve emotional health, and reduce long-term harm for children and carers.

  • This programme is delivered across Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Salford, Trafford, Blackburn with Darwen

“This programme helped me reconnect with my children while I was still inside. They know I care, and I feel like I have a reason to stay on track now.”
— Parent, HMP Styal

What Holding Families Plus Offers

Holding Families Plus is designed to meet those complex needs by offering:

For Families:

  • One-to-one support for children with a dedicated practitioner

  • One-to-one sessions for the parent/carer

  • Family meetings that help children safely express how they feel

  • Emotional and practical support before and after release

  • Joint work with adult and youth services, where appropriate

For Parents in Custody or on Community Orders:

  • Support to strengthen or rebuild relationships with children

  • Help understanding the impact of substance use and offending

  • Guidance on parenting post-release and while under supervision

  • Direct work within HMP Styal and community probation pathways

  • Coordination with resettlement, health and treatment teams

We understand the impact that parental imprisonment and substance use can have on children and families.

Impact & Outcomes:

  • Improved emotional wellbeing in children and adults

  • Reduced family conflict and improved communication

  • Safer re-integration for parents leaving custody

  • Better long-term outcomes for children

Download the Family Services Guide, or Start a Referral

A teal-colored book titled "Early Break: Holding Families guide for children & young people," with illustrations of five colorful cartoon characters on the right side.

Holding Families Plus FAQ’s

  • It’s a specialist version of Holding Families, designed for families where parental substance use is combined with criminal justice involvement. We support families in the community and in custody.

  • Parents who have used or currently use drugs or alcohol, and who are on community orders or serving time in prison (e.g. HMP Styal), and who have children under 18 or are expecting a child.

  • Holding Families Plus includes specific support around prison-based parenting, pre- and post-release planning, and closer work with criminal justice teams.

  • Yes. We work with parents inside prison, on remand or on bail and coordinate with family workers, probation, and community teams to ensure smooth support throughout.

  • Yes. Families, as well as professionals (e.g. probation, social care, schools), can refer by starting a referral online

  • You can stay connected to Early Break in various ways listed below:

  • If you or someone you know needs urgent help, you can access our list of emergency and useful helpline numbers by clicking the Get Help Now.

    This will open a quick-reference popup with 24/7 services and support lines for mental health, safeguarding, substance use, and crisis care.

From the Blog

Here’s a selection of articles from the blog related to our Holding Families services.