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

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Prisoner dads at Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie Prison have been allowed to play and eat with their children in a world-first programme - which is set to be rolled out across Scotland.The 'activity sessions' allowed for 14 inmates to play with their kids in guided sessions, which included rough and tumble play, fitness activities, and games to improve children’s throwing, catching, kicking and other movement skills, Glasgow Live reports.The father's were then able to sit down for a meal with their kids and either their partner or another family member who had accompanied the children to the session.

During the session, delivered by prison staff, one participant said it was “a completely different dynamic.” The Scottish Prison Service said some of the children “may have only ever seen their fathers in the confines of a visit room” before the programme began.The ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ programme was developed by the University of Glasgow, the University of Stirling, and the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia.

It is the first time the theory has ever been tested in a prison environment.During the eight-week initial programme, which is continuing at HMP Barlinnie, prisoner dads attended a ‘fathers only’ session, in which they explored the theory around topics including ‘the importance of being a dad’, ‘raising healthy kids’ and ‘positive parenting’, according to the Scottish Prison Service.The programme was designed to improve relationships, health, and health behaviours in fathers and their children, pointing to studies that show children of imprisoned parents have poorer health, education and offending outcomes compared to other children, said the Scottish Prison Service [SPS].