POPS believes that families should not experience discrimination as a result of their relative’s involvement in the criminal justice system and should be able to access support in their own right. We strive to banish the ‘guilty by association’ label that so many family members experience by working with our partners in the Criminal Justice System and community agencies to promote the role of the family and build awareness of the issues they face. POPS also strive to eradicate stigma, which can be debilitating for an individual, family or community. Stigma is the reason families, children and the individual they support, find it hard to speak up and seek help. Stigma has many repercussions, resulting in limited work opportunities, exclusion from social circles, loss of self-esteem and confidence, risk of judgment from others and decreased motivation.
We value diversity and promote inclusivity across the services we provide, responding to the needs of service users and promoting equality irrespective of circumstances, gender, age, race, marital status, pregnancy, sexual reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs or disability. We believe families can be the answer to their own problems and support families to identify their individual issues and develop solutions. We believe that families should be able to access appropriate and timely support at every stage of the Criminal Justice System and as such our services are built around a ‘Continuum of Care‘. POPS believes in the importance of open and transparent relationships with all our stakeholders. Our status as a registered charity makes us accountable to the Charity Commission.
POPS’ Mission
To provide the support families identify they need and promote the changes required to enable children and families of those in the justice system to cope better and to thrive.
POPS’ Vision
For all families, including children, affected by the justice system to feel valued and to be treated fairly, so they can live free from stigma, enabling them to actively participate, take up new opportunities and consider future possibilities.
POPS’ vision is underpinned by three core ideas:
POPS’ Values
- To be supportive and non-judgemental in our approach.
- To listen and act upon the experiences families share with us.
- To encourage active participation amongst the families we support.
- To value the benefits of robust partnerships.
- To acknowledge and embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation.