Young Fathers' Needs and Experiences
The first phase of Fathers Together explored what fatherhood means for young men in prison, how imprisonment affects relationships with children and families, and what kinds of support might make a difference.
We wanted to move beyond simple or negative assumptions about young fathers in prison. The study explored both needs and strengths: the barriers fathers face, the care they express, the role families play, and the wider systems that shape their lives.
Key findings
Fatherhood was common but often hidden.
Around one-third of young adults in the study were fathers. Many fathers were not routinely visible as parents within prison systems, meaning opportunities for family support could be missed.
Many young fathers had experienced adversity.
The study found high levels of childhood adversity, including parental separation, verbal abuse, physical violence and parental imprisonment. These experiences shaped, but did not define, fathers’ lives.
Fatherhood was often 'suspended' by imprisonment.
Fathers described wanting to care, connect and change, but imprisonment limited their ability to be physically present, make decisions, maintain contact and participate in everyday family life.
Race, age, masculinity and imprisonment intersected.
Young fathers’ experiences were shaped by racism, poverty, criminal justice involvement, family histories, masculine expectations and the prison environment. Support needs to be culturally grounded and alert to these structural harms.
Children and families were affected too.
The study identified 208 children connected to young fathers in the structured survey. Many fathers had been present in their children’s lives before prison, including being present at birth or living with their child before imprisonment.
Positive experiences and sources of resilience mattered.
Many young fathers also described positive childhood experiences, including liking school, having routines, supportive neighbours or beliefs that gave comfort. These strengths are important when thinking about support.
Families often carried the work of connection.
Mothers, partners, grandparents and other family members often played a key role in maintaining children’s relationships with fathers, while also managing their own pressures, boundaries and concerns.
The findings challenge stereotypes.
Many young fathers described love, care, regret, hope and aspirations for change. A strengths-based approach is important, but it must also recognise harm, accountability and the wider systems that shape families’ lives.
