Barlinnie prisoner dads allowed to play with their kids in world-first programme

In a groundbreaking initiative, prisoner dads at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow have been given the opportunity to engage with their children in a unique programme that could set a precedent for correctional facilities around the world. This innovative programme, which is set to be expanded across Scotland, allowed 14 inmates to participate in ‘activity sessions’ where they could interact with their kids through various activities like play, fitness exercises, and skill-building games to enhance movement abilities.

The sessions also included the provision for the fathers to sit down and share a meal with their children and either their partner or another family member who accompanied them. The Scottish Prison Service highlighted that some children had only encountered their fathers within the confines of a visitation room prior to this programme. The ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ programme, developed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, the University of Stirling, and the University of Newcastle in Australia, aims to foster better relationships, health, and behaviours among incarcerated fathers and their children.

During the initial eight-week phase at HMP Barlinnie, the prisoner dads delved into topics such as parental importance, raising healthy children, and positive parenting in ‘fathers only’ sessions. The overarching goal of the initiative is to disrupt potential cycles of disadvantage across generations and reduce recidivism rates. Participants in the programme expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with their children in a more meaningful and interactive manner, emphasizing the positive impact on their relationships and personal growth.

The success of the ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ programme has paved the way for its potential expansion to other prisons in Scotland, with HMP Barlinnie staff already training colleagues from various institutions to conduct similar sessions. Plans are in motion to introduce the programme at HMPs Low Moss, Shotts, Kilmarnock, and Dumfries in the near future. Researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling commended the positive outcomes achieved through the programme, attributing its success to the dedication and compassion of the staff involved.

Overall, this pioneering initiative not only benefits the prisoner dads and their children by strengthening familial bonds and promoting positive interactions but also contributes to broader societal goals of breaking cycles of disadvantage and fostering rehabilitation within the penal system. The potential ripple effects of such programmes could extend far beyond the prison walls, offering hope and transformation for families impacted by incarceration.