학술논문

Stealing the Smile from My Child's Face: A Preliminary Evaluation of the “Being a Dad” Programme in a Northern Ireland Prison.
Document Type
Article
Source
Child Care in Practice. Jul2014, Vol. 20 Issue 3, p301-312. 12p.
Subject
*PARENTING & society
*WELL-being
*SOCIAL services
*CHILD psychology
*FATHER-child relationship
*PRISONS
SOCIAL aspects
Language
ISSN
1357-5279
Abstract
Children who have a parent in prison are a vulnerable group. Research suggests that such children experience a range of poor outcomes in relation to well-being, education and relationships. These outcomes are mediated by a range of factors including contact with the incarcerated parent. Similarly, prisoners who maintain contact with their families are less likely to reoffend. Evidence to support the importance of the prison system recognising and helping to maintain parenting roles for parents in prison is beginning to emerge, and this investigation sought to investigate fathers' views of an innovative parenting intervention implemented in Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry centred around the Being a Dad programme. Eighteen fathers completed the programme. Data collected after participation indicated that fathers reported a range of positive outcomes including improved understanding of child behaviour and development and improved communication quality. Implications for further parenting support within the prison population are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]