“I miss you daddy, when are you coming back daddy?” Men in prison are fathers too: the transformative impact of targeted support for young dads.

• In Event: PWG - Family relationships, parenting, and reintegration

Abstract

Background & Aims:
The aim of this research was to explore targeted and person-centred support for young dads in prisons in the UK, such as that delivered by the prisons advice and care trust (Pact), can be a catalyst for transformation.

Method:
Qualitative methods were used to investigate retrospective and prospective accounts of young fathers’ biographies, parenting journeys and criminal justice pathways. The interviews were oriented around a temporal framing, exploring their life histories, current experiences of fathering from prison, as well as their aspirations and future orientations. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve fathers, aged between 18 and 30 years old in two Young Offenders Institutes (YOI) and four professionals from Pact.

Results:
The study demonstrated that there is a clear need for consistent and supportive interventions in prisons that invest in the fatherhood identity as a rehabilitative approach. These young men describe, and have experienced, highly complex and difficult lives shaped by poverty, homelessness, histories of discrimination and violence (both as perpetrators and victims) and associated trauma, insecure relationships with family members, poor mental health and financial insecurity. Fatherhood is therefore one of few positive gendered resources available to young fathers while in the harsh context of prison.


Conclusion & Implications:
In adopting a social and strengths-based model of support, as opposed to one that is entirely built on risk, Pact are able to promote the significance and value of sustaining relationships with their children and their baby mums, while simultaneously creating spaces and opportunities for young fathers to invest in practices of connection, care and engagement with their children and co-parent, where feasible. Investment in fathering and father identities also increases the potential for ameliorating longer term challenges for young fathers in and through rehabilitation and resettlement processes.

Authors

• Nicki Pierce, University of Lincoln

• Emily C Harle, University of Lincoln