Supporting Young Fathers in Prison: Pathways to Redemption and Connection

A recent report from a team at the University of Lincoln, UK, titled “Care in the Prison Estate“ sheds light on the lived experiences and support needs of young fathers, aged 25 and under, who are in prison.

Presenting the findings of a qualitative study, conducted by the FYFF team at the University in collaboration with the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact), the report offers new insights about how young men navigate parenting while separated from their children and the extent of support they receive in relation to fatherhood within the prison system.

The report highlights the critical role of compassionate, family-focused support in helping young fathers both to maintain their identities as – fathers and their relationships with their children. Young fathers in prison face numerous challenges, including harsh conditions, isolation, and a lack of recognition of their identities as fathers.

Many report feeling infantilised by prison officers, which is at odds with their roles as parents. Maintaining contact with their children is also difficult due to restrictions including the cost and availability of digital and phone contact as well as slow postal systems within the prison. Some fathers choose not to tell their children they are in prison to protect them, further complicating their parenting journey.

Anna Tarrant, Professor of Sociology at the University of Lincoln and Director of Following Young Fathers Further, said:

“Our research identifies just how critical compassionate, family-focused support is to young fathers who are in prison, helping them to maintain their relationships with their children.

“Pact have adapted their practice to further enhance their offer for young dads, demonstrating the value of research in supporting services that are dedicated to tailoring their delivery in ways that are more father inclusive.”

The study also reveals the varied co-parenting experiences of young fathers, ranging on a spectrum of supportive to strained relationships with their children’s mothers. Many young fathers benefit from support in managing these relationships and the impact of incarceration on co-parenting dynamics.

A significant challenge is that imprisonment stops young men from being named on the birth certificate, meaning these young men have no rights regarding parental responsibility.

Pact is a pioneering national charity in the UK whose approach is underpinned by the belief that justice should be a process of restoration and healing, valuing the innate dignity and worth of every individual.

Pact staff facilitate contact between the young father and their family through the provision of family days, one to one support and establish lines of communication between the young dad and their family, even if relationships had previously been strained or broken.

It also provides holistic and tailored support, including access to education and training, relationship advice, mental health support, and budgeting and money management. Family days organised by Pact are particularly valued, allowing fathers to interact physically with their children and family members, providing a reprieve from the challenges of prison life.

Together, these activities support young fathers with ongoing communication between young fathers and their children, sustaining their relationships over time.

Professor Tarrant will be holding her Innaugaral Lecture on Wednesday 26 March at the University of Lincoln from 6pm until 7pm at the Co-Op Lecture Theatre in the Minerva Building at the Brayford Pool Campus. Tickets are available online here.