Fathers Inside

A part of the National Framework for Interventions (NFI) portfolio, Fathers Inside creates a unique space for men to explore the essence of fatherhood, thoughtfully reflecting on their own upbringing and experiences. Drawing on established family and parenting theories, the course culminates in a celebratory showcase & Family Day, where participants showcase their journeys and the invaluable skills, knowledge, and attitudes they’ve developed throughout the programme.

 

The intervention offers 72 hours of support to men in prison over a four-week period, with each participant receiving 18 hours of purposeful activity weekly. The comprehensive Father’s Inside toolkit equips facilitators with the guidance necessary for effective programme delivery, allowing for confidence in the material, and the flexibility to adapt sessions to benefit participants fully.

 

Fathers Inside is currently delivered at HMP Altcourse, providing support for groups of 12-16 men. Since its inception, the programme has been delivered across various custodial and community settings, including institutions such as Brixton, Feltham, The Park, ISIS, The Mount, Peterborough, Lowdham Grange, Lewis, and more..

Each session aligns with our overarching Theory of Change and encompasses a range of topics, including:

  • Attachment Theory

    Understanding parent-child relationships and the vital connections formed (e.g. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, psychosocial development, power analysis, coaching circles)

  • Communication

    Developing skills for effective communication through a creative group process

  • Conflict Resolution

    Strategies for managing anger and resolving conflicts constructively, including triggers and understanding the “anger iceberg”

  • Family Visits

    Preparing participants for family visits, addressing both practical and emotional aspects

Programme Structure

  • Length:

    4 weeks.

  • Duration:

    32 sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours.

  • Frequency:

    Delivered on a full-time basis (4 days per week).

  • Group Size:

    14-20 participants.

  • Staff:

    1 x onsite FI line manager; 1 x FM Family Support Worker; 2 x Programme Facilitator.

  • Delivery Mode:

    Quality assurance (train the trainer), co-delivery, and direct delivery models are available.

Key Elements

  • Two skilled facilitators
  • A Family Support Worker
  • Therapeutic group space
  • Accompanying FMFI workbook for all participants
  • Participant involvement in the What Next Day, Library session, and Engaging Schools session
  • An extended family visit and presentation to an invited audience
  • Alumni network available to participants who complete the programme

Impact and Evidence

Our data and evidence over the years demonstrate our impact, and our Justice Data Lab results for Fathers Inside (Dec 2016) are some of the best achieved (40% reduced reoffending rate).

 

Fathers Inside demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in parental stress and a significant increase in less-restrictive attitudes towards parenting among its participants. (Blagden 2019).

 

The Ministry of Justice Data Lab: Re-offending analysis (2016) reports that in one year, the proven reoffending rate of participants in the Fathers Inside course was 24%. This compares to 40% for a matched control group of similar offenders.

 

View the Father Inside impact report

Testimonials

Get in touch
  • “I believe Man Up has been the best course I’ve done. It’s helped me build my confidence and show my emotions more”

    Participant at HMP Wandsworth.

  • “Honestly, this course has helped me in ways words can’t even describe”

    Participant at YOI Wetherby.

  • “I would strongly advise any man to embark on this journey”

    Participant at HMP Berwyn.

View Related Programmes

Enquire about a programme

Get in touch

Send us an email