This book provides an up-to-date and accessible account of the relationship between families, prisons and penal policies in the United Kingdom. It explores current debates in relation to prisoners and their families, and introduces the reader to relevant theoretical approaches. Interdisciplinary in nature, the book incorporates perspectives drawn from criminology, sociology, social work and law.It offers: a current exploration of key aspects of the consequences of imprisonment for prisoners and their families; an assessment of the role of current prison policies and practices in promoting and maintaining family relationships; and a summary of the current law in relation to prisoners and their families, with reference to the relevant legislation and recent case law.