In Prisons
If I Were a Dad is the first relationship and sexuality education programme developed by young men in custody, for young men in custody addressing topics in a way that is appealing and acceptable for the group.
The aim of If I Were a Dad is to employ a supportive, interactive, fun and flexible approach to discuss a range of topics relevant to relationships and parenting with young men in custody. We use reflective and discursive techniques with young men to explore issues that affect their lives and may pose a critical threat to their well-being and that of their partners and children. The programme is designed to challenge and inform their knowledge and attitudes around relationships and future fatherhood and encourage attitude and behaviour change towards positive, consensual and healthy sex, relationships and parenting.
Relationships are key to rehabilitation. Young men in prison and their families are at risk of poorer health outcomes and greater disadvantage. This programme is a unique early intervention to prepare young men for healthy relationships and future fatherhood. The intervention is informed by 3 core theories; a Gender Transformative approach, Rights-Based approach, and Behaviour Change theory.
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The aim of the programme is to: a) Explore, challenge and build young men’s knowledge, attitudes and self-esteem around relationships and future fatherhood. b) Encourage attitude and behaviour change towards positive and healthy sex, relationships and parenting. c) Enable young men to gain a better understanding of how their life choices impact on their wellbeing and that of their future partners and children.
Young incarcerated male offenders are at risk of poorer sexual health, adolescent parenthood and lack opportunities for formative relationship and sexuality education (RSE) as well as positive male role models. The purpose of this paper is to report the process of co-production and feasibility testing of a novel, gender-transformative RSE programme with young male offenders to encourage positive healthy relationships, gender equality, and future positive fatherhood.
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This research applied lessons learned from the Jack Trial in schools to test if this programme could be useful for young incarcerated men, who may benefit from such a programme. The findings of this study expand our knowledge about the wants and needs of young men in prion related to relationship and sexual education.
'If I Were Jack' in Hydebank Wood College