In the Scottish prison HMP Barlinnie, the first cycle of the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK) programme has taken place, helping imprisoned fathers rebuild relationships with their children. The project, created in Australia, has been implemented in a prison setting for the first time in the world — and has already proved effective.
Over eight weeks, 14 families — fathers and children aged five to twelve — came together in prison to play active games, learn to throw a ball, do sports and simply sit at the same table. The atmosphere, far removed from the usual visiting rooms, allowed them to feel like a real family. At the same time, the men received training in positive parenting and healthy living, and then applied that knowledge in practice. The experience proved so successful that the programme will soon start in four more institutions in Scotland.
Researchers note that the breakdown of ties with a father during imprisonment seriously worsens children’s prospects and increases the risk of repeating difficult life patterns. The new programme is designed to break that cycle. After all, simply sharing a meal at one table does more than dozens of visits through glass.
