Fathers in Prison: Impact of Parenting Education

Journal of Correctional Education, Jun 2004 by Bushfield, Suzanne

Fathers in prison can identify ways to be responsible while in prison, but are challenged to be responsible from a distance, particularly given their sense of responsibility as a disciplinarian and financial supporter.

Fathers in prison are influenced by negative role models, but often are able to compensate for a lack of a positive role model through social support, reliance on another caring adult, or through parent education.

The recurring theme of the prisoner's positive self concept and self motivation to be a "responsible father" needs further exploration. Fathers in this study reflected a sense of certainty that they will do the right thing, that they will be a good father, with very little self-doubt. This sense of self-efficacy and motivation to be a "good father" warrants further exploration. It may be helpful for future research to address the problems related to empathy and child development. These seem to be critical components of parent education. Perhaps these components are less amenable to change through classes which do not involve a behavioral component; or perhaps these areas of parenting need more work when inmates return to their families and communities.

If "teaching inmates to be parents may be the most promising potential of keeping the next generation out of prison (Turner, 2002)," then prison education programs may need to pay more attention to parenting curriculum and transition programs that can improve parenting skills.

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