Resilience - Roma children with a parent in prison

In the past months, Romodrom’s work has focused on maintaining relationships with Roma families and community partners while continuing preparations for future child-centred activities in the Liberec region. Even though the Family Day planned for May 2026 has been rescheduled for the upcoming months, children with a parent in prison still need support. 

Projects such as this depend not only on organising the events themselves, but also on strengthening the long-term trust and cooperation that make meaningful participation in the event itself possible. Romodrom has continued conversations with families, local stakeholders and professionals working with children affected by parental imprisonment. These exchanges have reinforced how important safe and culturally sensitive spaces remain for Roma children, many of whom continue to experience exclusion, instability and stigma connected both to social inequalities and family separation.

Rescheduling Family Day also created an opportunity to reflect more deeply on how activities can be organised in ways that are sustainable, inclusive and responsive to families’ realities. Many Roma families face unpredictable economic pressures, housing insecurity and barriers to accessing public services. For children with imprisoned parents, these difficulties are often compounded by emotional stress and social isolation. Maintaining contact with families during periods in between events therefore remains an important part of the project itself.

At the centre of this initiative is the belief that children benefit enormously from opportunities to experience joy, creativity and belonging in supportive community settings. Music, sport and cultural activities are not onlyrecreational, but can also strengthen confidence, encourage self-expression and reinforce positive identity among children who are too often defined by negative stereotypes or difficult circumstances.

Creating dialogue between Roma communities and professionals working within justice and social welfare systems is crucial. Building more understanding and culturally informed approaches takes time and consistency. Even outside of large public events, these connections remain valuable in helping ensure that children with imprisoned parents are supported.

We remain committed to developing future activities that place the wellbeing of Roma children at the centre. We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support this work and help create opportunities for Roma children and families to feel supported. 

Context: Why is this project needed?

Roma children in Czechia bring with them strong family ties, cultural richness and resilience. At the same time, unequal access to education, housing and community resources means that many encounter more obstacles than their peers of the same age. When a parent is imprisoned, families may face additional pressures, increasing the importance of supportive and inclusive spaces for children. Research indicates that children with imprisoned parents can face higher risks of social exclusion, educational difficulties and emotional strain; for Roma children, these challenges are often amplified by broader structural inequalities. Yet experience also shows that when children are supported, recognised and given opportunities, they demonstrate remarkable strength and adaptability. This project is grounded in that understanding: that targeted, culturally sensitive support can have a meaningful impact on children’s lives.

What will Family Day 2026 be about?

The Roma Family Day planned for May 2026 is designed as more than a one-day event. It creates a safe, welcoming environment where children and families can come together without judgement, stigma or institutional pressure. By combining sport, culture and family-focused activities, the Roma Family Day nurtures children’s emotional wellbeing while reinforcing positive Roma identity. It offers moments of normalcy and celebration, while strengthening bonds that are critical to children’s resilience and well-bring. 

Taking place in the Liberec region, Family Day brings together Roma children, caregivers, imprisoned parents, community leaders and professionals in a vibrant community setting. Sport plays a central role, with football activities designed to be accessible for all ages. Alongside this, the programme features creative and cultural workshops grounded in Romani traditions, including music, dance, visual arts and movement-based activities. These workshops give children space to express themselves, discover talents and engage positively with their cultural heritage—countering the negative narratives they often encounter in wider society.

Why is this approach effective?

This project addresses multiple challenges at once. It reduces social isolation, removes financial barriers to leisure and sport activities, and creates peer support among children who share similar experiences. Group-based activities help children understand that they are not alone, reducing feelings of shame or difference associated with having a parent in prison.

For institutions and professionals, this Family Day offers an opportunity to engage with Roma families in a positive, human-centred context. By fostering dialogue with prison staff, probation services and local stakeholders, the project helps challenge stereotypes and encourages more inclusive, culturally informed approaches within the criminal justice and social welfare systems.