Family & Corrections Network

THE NORTH AMERICAN CONFERENCE ON FATHERS BEHIND BARS & ON THE STREET

Successful Fatherhood Programs for Ex-Offender/Fathers

Rev. Joyce White and Rev. Sherman White presented a workshop entitled, "Successful Fatherhood Programs for Ex-Offender/Fathers." Two key topics discussed were, the need for effective collaboration among agencies and the need to focus on basics when implementing parenting skills programs.

Rev. Joyce White gave examples illustrating the positive relationships among community agencies, educational institutions, and employers that must be developed and maintained. Ex-Offender fathers have a variety of needs that must be addressed if they are to become successful fathers. No agency can afford to drop the ball when coordinating services for this population. Rev. Joyce shared information from the Parenting for Positive Results (PPR) curriculum she created and teaches. The PPR program is specifically designed to address the common situations that face minority families. One main focus of Rev. White's parenting program is non-custodial parenting. In many cases ex-offender fathers will have to share the role of "daddy." Most of these men do not know how to do this. The PPR program teaches basic concepts such as this. Rev. Sherman White shared information about the programs they offer in a couple of the prisons in Missouri.

For more information, Rev. Sherman and Rev. Joyce White may be reached at their email address; shermansjoy@yahoo.com or 314-981-0037.