Fathers Together
A study to explore how to better support young fathers in prison and their families
Fathers Together is a research programme focused on young fathers in prison and the families and children connected to them. We work with fathers, families, people with lived experience, prisons and local authorities, researchers and community organisations to understand what meaningful, realistic and culturally grounded support should look like.
The first phase of the study explored the needs, strengths and experiences of young fathers in prison. It showed that fatherhood is common but often poorly recognised in prison, and that many young fathers remain deeply committed to their children and families despite major constraints. We are now moving into the next phase: a feasibility study of the Fathers Together parenting programme.
What we found
Young fathers in prison are often hidden in systems, but fatherhood matters deeply. Many fathers wanted to stay connected with their children and build a different future.
What we developed
Working with the Race Equality Foundation, lived experience partners and prison stakeholders, we adapted a parenting programme for young fathers in prison.
What happens next
The feasibility study will test whether the parenting programme can be delivered well in prisons and how a future larger evaluation should be designed.
Phase 1: By the Numbers
~500
structured interviews with young adult men in prison
~50
qualitative interviews with fathers, family members and staff
5
prisons took part in the Midlands and South of England
33% of young adults are fathers
208 children impacted
“You can lock the locks but you can’t stop the clocks…I came in when my daughter was three, she’ll be six when I’m out — that’s three years I can’t get back.”
Young father in prison (age 22)
Interested in the study, the next phase, or working with us?
Get in touch with the Fathers Together team.