Fathers

The Incarcerated Fathers program provides parenting classes to fathers
at Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility. The program promotes
responsible fatherhood by:

(1) providing extensive research based parenting education,
(2) providing life skills education,
(3) disseminating domestic violence information,
(4) mailing projects to inmates’ children and educational materials to their
parenting partner,
(5) providing community-based referrals,
(6) co-sponsoring two Family Day events, and
(7) distributing newsletters statewide.

Comments shared by the fathers:

..“The knowledge I’ve gained from the parenting class does not stop with me. I’ve shared
..what ..I have learned with other inmates and have personally witnessed their relationship
..with their children and others improve.”
..“Since I have been in the parenting program, I have learned a great deal about myself and
..how to handle difficult situations. I know that with this program, I will be able to raise my
..children with an understanding of how they feel and also what they want out of life.”
..“I am the father of three children, two boys and a girl. This class let me know that I can still
..be a parent while in prison. I’ve learned new ways of communicating with my children and.
..find this class beneficial. It’s good they offer classes like this about nurturing children. I am
..glad some people do not feel that all men in prison are animals.”

Positive gains are expected in four areas:
* Knowledge of positive discipline techniques.
* Childrearing attitudes and beliefs.
* Parent-child relationship and communication skills.
* Life skills.