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This SIG is for educators working with juvenile populations. It provides information on resources for working with this population and updates on current trends.
Fathers Sharing Books Still Going Strong
Posted by:
BJ Berquist
()
Date: November 17, 2010 02:16PM
Fathers Sharing Books Still Going Strong
Posted by: Jerry Bednarowski (CPE-72-133-35-234.new.res.rr.com)
Date: November 17, 2010 12:04PM
Fathers Sharing Books Still Going Strong
The Fathers Sharing Books program at Stanley (Wisconsin) Correctional Institution is going strong after seven years. Last month, another successful Fathers Sharing Books program class and recording session was completed for 33 fathers. The program was initiated by teacher Diane Birch in 2003. Dan Benik, Warden at that time, and Peg Meyers, former Education Director, agreed the program was a great opportunity for incarcerated fathers at SCI.
The first class consisted of seven fathers anxious to record a VHS tape and have it mailed to their child/children. These men participated in a weeklong class to learn about children’s literature and how to select age appropriate material. They also learned how to encourage lifelong reading and learning. The program started with 82 books that were purchased, donated, or collected from various people. At the time, the library at SCI had very few children’s books on its shelves. Fathers had to pay $3.75 for the tape, postage and mailing envelope.
Many changes in the program have occurred since that first class. The library now has a nice collection of books for children and young adults. Class size has increased and offers the opportunity to more fathers. It also allows past class participants to continue to record and send new DVDs to their child/children. Some of the fathers entered the program when their children were under the age of 11. Today some of those fathers are still participating by choosing material suitable for young adults. The fathers read a chapter or two out of a book and then encourage their kids to get the books and finish the story. After all, encouraging learning and reading doesn’t stop when children reach age 11.
Changes in technology also have occurred. VHS tapes are no longer the best way to record, so the switch to DVDs was made. By making the switch, the program has also become more cost effective for fathers. Fathers now pay $2.50 for the DVD, envelope, and postage.
In 2009, the Wisconsin Literacy Council awarded “The First Lady Jessica Doyle Award for Family Literacy” to the Fathers Sharing Books Program at SCI. The Literacy Council recognized the importance of fathers staying connected with their children through the program.
Feedback from the fathers that have participated in the program has been very positive. They report that their children are excited to receive the DVD and play it over and over. They also say the program is a way for them to remain connected to their children. Many of them don’t receive regular visits at Stanley because of distance and financial reasons.
Support for the program at Stanley starts in the Warden’s office and extends throughout the institution. Fathers are excused, with prior permission, from their regular assignments to attend the class for a short period of time. Recording is scheduled to minimize further disruptions.
Since 2003, literally hundreds of fathers have participated in the program. Studies have shown that when inmates have family ties and support, the rate of recidivism goes down. Hopefully, as these men are released back into the community, instead of sending an inmate home, we’ll be sending a father home.
by: Diane Birch,Stanley Correctional Institution
Posted by: Jerry Bednarowski (CPE-72-133-35-234.new.res.rr.com)
Date: November 17, 2010 12:04PM
Fathers Sharing Books Still Going Strong
The Fathers Sharing Books program at Stanley (Wisconsin) Correctional Institution is going strong after seven years. Last month, another successful Fathers Sharing Books program class and recording session was completed for 33 fathers. The program was initiated by teacher Diane Birch in 2003. Dan Benik, Warden at that time, and Peg Meyers, former Education Director, agreed the program was a great opportunity for incarcerated fathers at SCI.
The first class consisted of seven fathers anxious to record a VHS tape and have it mailed to their child/children. These men participated in a weeklong class to learn about children’s literature and how to select age appropriate material. They also learned how to encourage lifelong reading and learning. The program started with 82 books that were purchased, donated, or collected from various people. At the time, the library at SCI had very few children’s books on its shelves. Fathers had to pay $3.75 for the tape, postage and mailing envelope.
Many changes in the program have occurred since that first class. The library now has a nice collection of books for children and young adults. Class size has increased and offers the opportunity to more fathers. It also allows past class participants to continue to record and send new DVDs to their child/children. Some of the fathers entered the program when their children were under the age of 11. Today some of those fathers are still participating by choosing material suitable for young adults. The fathers read a chapter or two out of a book and then encourage their kids to get the books and finish the story. After all, encouraging learning and reading doesn’t stop when children reach age 11.
Changes in technology also have occurred. VHS tapes are no longer the best way to record, so the switch to DVDs was made. By making the switch, the program has also become more cost effective for fathers. Fathers now pay $2.50 for the DVD, envelope, and postage.
In 2009, the Wisconsin Literacy Council awarded “The First Lady Jessica Doyle Award for Family Literacy” to the Fathers Sharing Books Program at SCI. The Literacy Council recognized the importance of fathers staying connected with their children through the program.
Feedback from the fathers that have participated in the program has been very positive. They report that their children are excited to receive the DVD and play it over and over. They also say the program is a way for them to remain connected to their children. Many of them don’t receive regular visits at Stanley because of distance and financial reasons.
Support for the program at Stanley starts in the Warden’s office and extends throughout the institution. Fathers are excused, with prior permission, from their regular assignments to attend the class for a short period of time. Recording is scheduled to minimize further disruptions.
Since 2003, literally hundreds of fathers have participated in the program. Studies have shown that when inmates have family ties and support, the rate of recidivism goes down. Hopefully, as these men are released back into the community, instead of sending an inmate home, we’ll be sending a father home.
by: Diane Birch,Stanley Correctional Institution
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