Strengthening family relations Strengthening family relations? The Families Matter Programme and its effect on families Dr Michelle Butler, Dr David Hayes, Dr John Devaney, Dr Andrew Percy 2nd November 2017 Strengthening

Dilemma Delivering parenting programmes in an environment that restricts family contact. Limited opportunities for skill acquisition and to use newly acquired parenting skills to improve family relationships. father and son CC BY-SA 3.0

The Research Sought to examine: If the Families Matter programme can reduce some of the negative effects of parental imprisonment. If it can improve family relationships. If programme participation affected order, control and wellbeing among imprisoned fathers. How its design and implementation may affect its ability to achieve its gaols. Develop a ‘theory of action’ linking programme components and activities to changes at the prison, father and family level, as well as longer term outcomes.

Skill Acquisition Automating the performance of new skills Acquiring new knowledge Consolidating knowledge through practice Automating the performance of new skills Skill Acquisition

Developing a ‘Theory of Action’ Longer telephone contact Fathers allowed move and play with children during family visits. Prison staff balancing security concerns with the needs of children. Barnardo’s NI staff assisting fathers with skill acquisition and mastery. More frequent telephone contact Inclusion of family visits in addition to normal visits. Parenting classes Peer learning Self-reflection Fathers more attuned to the needs of children Better able to meet the needs of children through frequent contact Improvement in the quality of father-child interactions Improved father-child relationships and well-being Developing a ‘theory of action’

Developing a ‘Theory of Action’ Built confidence in parenting skills Witnessed fathers practicing and mastering these skills in visits and during telephone calls. Observed improvements in their performance and the impact the use of these skills had on relationships with children and children’s wellbeing. Provided reassurance on commitment to change Fathers compliance with programme requirements demonstrated their willingness to prioritise their children’s needs and change. Staff working with families and informing them of fathers’ behaviour provided independent verification of fathers’ accounts, helping to rebuild trust in family relationships. Reduced stress on family relationships Parenting class, peer learning and self-reflection provided greater insight and appreciation for the challenges faced by non-imprisoned partner/family member(s). Improvements in the frequency and quality of contact reduced communication stresses and lessened the probability of family breakdown. Decreased stigma, anxiety and fear Positive relationships between prison and Barnardo’s NI staff reassure partners and family members about the safety and care fathers receive, reduce feelings of stigma, worry and stress associated with contacting prison and allow partners and family members to share their concerns with staff. Development of a culture of peer support among the partners and family members taking part in the family visits.

Going forward The Families Matter programme can enhance parenting skills and contribute to improved father-child interactions and family relationships

But to maximise the potential benefits of prison based parenting programmes, it is important to: Ensure opportunities are provided for imprisoned parents to rehearse these new skills and use these skills to improve family relationships. Have clear plans for how the gains made as a result of participation in prison based parenting programmes will be maintained beyond programme completion until release. Review existing policies and practices regarding visitation, telephone access and letter writing to facilitate frequent, quality contact between imprisoned fathers and their families.