Fathering from prison: Common struggles and successful solutions

Although it is rarely recognized in the correctional psychology literature, fathering from prison is common and has a profound influence on the quality and quantity of inner change that incarcerated men can achieve. This article focuses on the salient dimensions of individual psychotherapy with incarcerated men who choose to discuss fathering from prison. The role of absence and lass upon the family system, the modes of communicating with children from prison, and the impact of traditional male role socialization are explored. Finally, the bene;fits of group therapy for men in prison are presented, and a successful parenting program that involves both juvenile: offenders and imprisoned fathers (Berhesda Family Services Foundation's Helping Offenders Pursue Excellence for Life Program) is outlined.