Supporting fathers on the inside
Research from the USA shows that prisoners who complete a fathering program significantly reduce their chances of reoffending by 37%
Inside-Out Fathering Program
Research from the USA shows that prisoners who complete a fathering program significantly reduce their chances of reoffending by 37%. Data from the National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI) indicates their InsideOut Dad® program significantly reduces recidivism (reoffending), with studies showing reoffending rates for participants that are substantially lower than US state averages.
Participants in the NFI’s Kentucky state study showed an 86% reduction in disciplinary actions (behavioural infractions) after completing the program, dropping from 1.836 actions per prison inmate to 0.26. Considering that, across the Western world sadly around 50% of inmates return to prison within 2 years, the importance of training for fathers while incarcerated is critical.
In 2022, thanks to the generous support of Dads4Kids donors and volunteers, we began development of the first Australian Inside-Out Fathering Program. Based on our 10-Session Courageous Online Fathering Course, our 8-Session Inside-Out Fathering Pilot Program has begun rolling out in prisons across NSW.
The feedback received has been phenomenal, with hundreds of inmates completing the course to-date. The lives of incarcerated fathers and their families have been changed, but there’s much more to do.
Our aim is to redevelop Dads4Kids groundbreaking Inside-Out Fathering Program and film new video sessions with a diverse range of dads, especially those who have spent time behind bars. In simple terms, ‘street cred’ (reputation) matters in prison, and our heart is to meet dads where they’re at. Redevelopment and increasing rollout Australia-wide of the Dads4Kids Inside-Out Fathering Program is a big focus for us and requires significant investment and resources.
The Dads4Kids Inside-Out Fathering Program helps incarcerated dads develop a vision for their children, their family, and reduces their likelihood of returning to prison.
If you can partner with Dads4Kids in the mission to encourage dads behind bars, please click here.
The team at Dad4kids honour and thank Indigenous Elder Pastor Ron Williams (1940-2003) who helped inspire the founding of Dads4Kids in 2002. His many years of service to the prisoners in Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (Kalgoorlie Jail) as a chaplain provided inspiration for the Inside-Out Fathering Program.
We also honour and thank Indigenous Elder Pastor Peter Morgan () who was a great encouragement to Dads4kids in our early years. We acknowledge the first nations peoples of this land, their Elders past and present and extend that love and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia today.
Dads4Kids would like to thank the team at the National Fatherhood Initiative® for their pioneering work and advocacy for incarcerated fathers. Their academic research and great work within the US prison system have provided a springboard for the Dads4Kids Inside-Out Fathering Program. We acknowledge and thank them for their contributions to fathers and families around the globe.
Special thanks to Chaplain Glenn Berry who supports Dads4Kids and is a crucial part of the Inside-Out Fathering Program. Big thanks to the team at Prison Fellowship Australia for their amazing encouragement and guidance. Thanks also to Amber Hardwick for her creative input and wisdom in putting the Program manual together.
Finally, huge thanks to the board, volunteers and donors who support Dads4Kids. They are the backbone of this charity. Inspiration for this work is our Father in heaven. All thanks to Him.
