Otago Corrections Facility (OCF) is offering fathers an opportunity to read bed time stories to their children, despite the fact they are in prison.
A 10-week Story Book Dads programme introduced to Northland Corrections Facility in 2006 has been adapted to encourage Otago prisoners to write and read stories to their children.The stories are 'published' in book form then recorded onto DVD so their children can read along while listening to Dad's voice narrate them.
The prisoners can also decorate the DVD covers and make personalised cards, puppets and colourful illustrations to accompany their stories.
OCF Programmes Manager Sandy Stoddart says the programme has been so popular some participants have asked if they can join it for a second time.
"It's a natural progression from the parenting course we run at OCF," says Sandy." Story Book Dads is helping prisoners see how important it is for them to communicate with their children and that they can do this even while in prison.
"All the men who joined the programme graduated which was really pleasing to see. The course has had a big impact on them all. They’re working hard to bring about real change in their lives and the lives of their families.
"Now that the course has finished, we're encouraging the prisoners to keep up their communication with their families and especially their children. The course has taught them that interacting with their kids doesn't need to be a grand gesture - a card or art work will make a huge difference."
Sandy hopes to get the next course underway soon to give more prisoners the chance to turn their lives around and make a change for the better.
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ISSN 1178-8453