Incarceration impacts not only the inmates but also their families, often placing them in a state of crisis. Challenges such as financial difficulties, adjustment struggles, and parenting complications can weigh heavily on the families left behind. For the incarcerated, these concerns can hinder their ability to focus on rehabilitation, as they grapple with the emotional and practical repercussions of their absence. Furthermore, research highlights that parental incarceration can adversely affect children, increasing the risk of second-generation offending.

Recognising these challenges, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) collaborates with Social Service Agencies such as Centre for Fathering (CFF) to deliver structured family programmes within prisons. These initiatives aim to equip inmates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to maintain and strengthen family ties, an essential component of their rehabilitation journey.

Focused Support for Incarcerated Fathers

Since 2016, SPS has partnered with CFF to provide several tailored family programmes for incarcerated fathers.

• ICAN Fathering: This initiative emphasises the critical role fathers play in their children’s lives and raises awareness about the importance of active fatherhood.
• Navigating the Teen Years: This programme offers practical strategies to help fathers connect with and understand their teenage children.
• ICAN Change: Designed specifically for fathers seeking to rebuild and strengthen family relationships during their time in prison.

To date, CFF has engaged approximately 1,800 incarcerated fathers through these impactful programmes.

One notable initiative is the Father’s Day Video Affirmation for Incarcerated Fathers, which aims to foster meaningful connections between fathers and their children. This initiative involves children recording heartfelt messages and well-wishes for their fathers, which are later compiled into personalised video affirmations. These videos are shown during designated sessions, creating a deeply emotional and bonding experience for both fathers and children.

The event underscores the importance of maintaining strong emotional connections during incarceration. Witnessing their children’s affirmations motivates fathers to focus on rehabilitation and strengthens their resolve to reintegrate into their families upon release. For children, expressing their feelings and receiving responses from their fathers helps them cope with the challenges of parental incarceration and supports their emotional development.

CFF began engaging incarcerated fathers on Father’s Day in 2018 through cards and letters. This year, for the first time, the initiative includes video messages, further enhancing the emotional impact and fostering stronger familial bonds. Such connections are vital for reducing recidivism and promoting successful social reintegration.

Continued Support Post-Incarceration

Following these programmes, participants and their families can access additional support through father support groups conducted by CFF and partnering organisations. These resources help ensure a smooth reintegration into a supportive family network, reducing the risk of re-offending and contributing to long-term social stability. Through initiatives like these, CFF and SPS remain committed to supporting incarcerated fathers and their families, fostering resilience, and promoting a brighter future for all involved.