The Fatherhood Initiative is an abridging proposal that allows incarcerated fathers to bridge the gap between themselves and their children.  As the research demonstrates, incarcerated fathers are disconnected from their children.  The children feel neglected and yearn for the affection and guidance of their fathers.  This program seeks to address the impact of the fathers’ imprisonment on their children. 

Program activities include the following:

• Father and child events to develop and strengthen their relationships and to establish communication between them;
• Father/guardian events to strengthen their relationships  and communications as related to the child’s needs (i.e. peer rejection, attention span, etc.) spiritual growth and educational status;
• Family events (mother/guardian, father, child) to celebrate holidays and special occasions (i.e. Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthday, etc.); and
• Mentoring services provided to the children of incarcerated parents either directly by ACM, and/or faith based organizations.  Mentors will reinforce positive message provided by incarcerated parents to their children.

Program outcomes include, but are not limited to the following:

• Improvements in inmate behavior with adjustments to being incarcerated;
• Changing outlook towards authority figures;
• Increased adjustment and compliance with rules and regulations in their institution;
• Building a more positive attitude towards peers; Increased acceptance of responsibilities on the part of the inmate for his/her actions;
• Initiation and/or maintenance of telephone, written and verbal communications between the inmates and their children, their mothers and/or guardians;
• Children, mothers/guardians, and inmate fathers will develop a stronger family bond; and
• A heightened sense of dignity and pride will be developed within the family units.

This program is based on an initiative currently being implemented by ACM in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  Presented below are the reported results achieved to date:

• Ninety-five per cent of the participating inmates  were reported to have improved their behavior while incarcerated;
• Eighty per cent of the graduates of the program have established positive relationship with their children and families; and
• Fifty per cent pursued educational programs while confined.

For further information on this program, please contact Mr. Peter Jackson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (202) 671-0797