A new book, “Figli cancellati” (Cancelled Children), published by Giannini S.p.A., sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of children with incarcerated parents in Italy. The work, released in 2025, details the lives of eight children – Salvatore, Imma, Genny, Ciro, Enzo, Riccardo, Ambra, and Anita – navigating childhood under the shadow of the prison system.
Authored by penal lawyer Annalisa Senese, with contributions from journalist Antonio Vastarelli, the book draws on Senese’s professional experience advocating for human rights within Italian prisons. Senese explained the impetus behind the project was to illuminate a reality often ignored: the discrimination faced by children because of their parents’ actions. “I started with the idea of shedding light on a reality that is often overlooked, that of the children of detainees and detainees, often discriminated against for the faults of their fathers,” Senese stated, according to reporting from la-mattina.it.
The book recounts stories of children grappling with feelings of shame, abandonment, and the complexities of maintaining family relationships across prison walls. One example highlighted in reports details a young girl, Imma, who, after internalizing her father’s behavior, responded to a police officer with hostility, spitting at them during a prison visit. This incident, Senese explains, illustrates how children can adopt the attitudes and mentalities of their incarcerated parents.
“Figli cancellati” as well explores the challenges faced by children who struggle to understand their parents’ imprisonment, leading to anger, confusion, or a desire to distance themselves from their families. The book cites the case of Jenny, a child who couldn’t comprehend why her father was absent and feared he would no longer be present for her games. Another story features Ciro, who, along with his siblings, faced the possibility of being removed from their family due to potential repercussions from their parent’s criminal connections.
Senese emphasizes the importance of community support and collaboration between schools, associations, and institutions to provide these children with the resources they need. She advocates for identifying these children as having special needs due to their social disadvantage and offering tailored support. “Decisive, but, is also the role that the community can play, supporting these children through workshops and projects in collaboration with schools and associations,” Senese said.
The book’s release has sparked discussion about the need for systemic changes within the Italian prison system. Maria Grazia Villano, Vice President of OMI, highlighted the need for tools that promote inclusion and offer opportunities for vulnerable children to build their futures. Giovanna Perna, head of the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Avellino Bar Association, underscored the importance of investing in parental support within prisons, including psychological assistance and ensuring the right to affection, and dignity. Perna also advocated for restorative justice practices to promote accountability and awareness of the social harm caused by crime.
The work also addresses the unique challenges faced by women whose husbands are incarcerated, noting the pressures they face to adhere to strict rules and maintain appearances during prison visits, often at the expense of their own well-being. Senese points out that these women often move to great lengths to protect their children from the harsh realities of their situation, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.
