6 September 2025, Pińczów Prison (Poland) — Pińczów Prison welcomed the fifth and final Game with Mum & Dad (GWMD) event of the year in Poland, organised by COPE member Probacja. Probacja has been championing GWMD in Poland for three years, working closely with prisons, children and families to strengthen relationships and build trust. These events have become more than just fun activities – they provide essential spaces where children can reconnect with their parents, families can feel supported and prisons can engage positively with the community.
The Pińczów event welcomed 50 participants: 10 imprisoned fathers, 23 family members and 17 children, ranging in age from toddlers to teens.
The night before the event, a storm rolled through Pińczów, bringing heavy rain, thunder and lightning. Agnieszka Szeliga-Żywioł, Vice-President of the Probacja Foundation and GWMD programme’s head in Poland, shared: “Everything was prepared for the outdoor field, but with the storm raging, we had to move indoors. Thanks to the prison director and staff, we were able to play in a fully equipped sports hall, with comfortable stands and a space perfectly suited for families.”
What could have been a setback turned into a stroke of luck. The indoor venue allowed children and parents to play, cheer and enjoy the morning in comfort, creating an intimate and vibrant atmosphere.
Preparing the first event at Pińczów Prison
Because this was Pińczów Prison’s first GWMD, careful preparation was essential. Probacja’s staff travelled to meet the participating fathers, present the project and answer questions. Many fathers had logistical concerns, from how games would run to managing family dynamics. Sensitive family circumstances were thoughtfully considered. Some children were unaware their fathers were in prison, with families maintaining alternative explanations such as “dad is away on a business trip”. To respect these narratives, all prison officers wore civilian clothes rather than uniforms. Three prison educators joined the game and noted that the true essence of GWMD – the emotions and connections experienced during games – can only be felt firsthand. Staff eagerly wore team jerseys and helped manage every detail, ensuring a smooth, joyful day.
The event was full of energy. Families played together in small games and activities, finishing with a spirited football game where children, parents and staff all took part. One father was visited by 8 relatives, including grandparents, siblings and children – illustrating how extended family support is vital for both children and imprisoned parents.
Post-event surveys confirmed what participants felt during the day: these gatherings are crucial for maintaining child-parent bonds. Families expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spend quality time together and suggested extending the event in the future.
(© Paulina Bąbol)
The Pińczów game is part of a wider GWMD initiative across Poland. In 2025, 119 adults and 85 children participated in these events. Beyond the numbers, the series of events this year strengthened Probacja’s relationship with the Polish Prison Service, built trust with children and families and created safer spaces for meaningful interactions, all of which are essential for the long-term success and growth of GWMD in Poland.
The ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ campaign is organised by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) and made possible with the support of the UEFA Foundation for Children, following a model created and developed by Bambinisenzasbarre, which works nationwide in Italy. The campaign aims to strengthen, maintain, and enhance the bond between children and their imprisoned parents, and to generate systemic, child rights–based change across prison systems.
The project includes a multi-month programme during which imprisoned parents, their children and family members—supported by educators—are monitored and involved in a series of meetings. The programme culminates in the ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ match, marking the conclusion of the initiative.
