Some 800,000 children in the European Union have a parent who is in prison. This can lead to emotional problems and criminal behaviour on the part of the children. These often vulnerable children are at extra risk when a parent who is taking care of them is sentenced to imprisonment. Dr Reef believes that the effects of detention of a parent is an underexposed issue in criminal practice. 

Dr Reef previously researched  family-oriented detaining of criminals in the Netherlands. She provided advice on how best to avoid the undesirable consequences of imprisonment for parents and children. In 2018 she and Professor Pauline Schuyt together set up the National Working Group on Parents and Children in the Criminal Justice System (university website).

Criminal sentencing

The research now being funded by the LUF builds further on earlier research. Dr Reef first wants to bring to light to what extent the judge takes into acount the family care responsibilities of the suspect. There will also be an opportunity for literature studies on the role of family-oriented sentencing in national and international legislation.   

Dr Reef will use the findings to formulate recommendations that will ensure that the wellbeing of the child and the family of the suspect are preserved. She hopes to stimulate new research by other scientists within the theme of 'children and parents in the criminal justice system'.