Barlinnie prisoner dads allowed to play with their kids in world-first programme

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Prisoner dads at Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie Prison have been allowed to play and eat with their children in a world-first programme - which is set to be rolled out across Scotland.

The 'activity sessions' allowed for 14 inmates to play with their kids in guided sessions, which included rough and tumble play, fitness activities, and games to improve children’s throwing, catching, kicking and other movement skills, Glasgow Live reports.

The father's were then able to sit down for a meal with their kids and either their partner or another family member who had accompanied the children to the session.

During the session, delivered by prison staff, one participant said it was “a completely different dynamic.” The Scottish Prison Service said some of the children “may have only ever seen their fathers in the confines of a visit room” before the programme began.

The ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ programme was developed by the University of Glasgow, the University of Stirling, and the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is the first time the theory has ever been tested in a prison environment.

During the eight-week initial programme, which is continuing at HMP Barlinnie, prisoner dads attended a ‘fathers only’ session, in which they explored the theory around topics including ‘the importance of being a dad’, ‘raising healthy kids’ and ‘positive parenting’, according to the Scottish Prison Service.

The programme was designed to improve relationships, health, and health behaviours in fathers and their children, pointing to studies that show children of imprisoned parents have poorer health, education and offending outcomes compared to other children, said the Scottish Prison Service [SPS]. The ultimate goal of the programme was to “break possible inter-generational cycles of disadvantage and reduce recidivism.”

One participant said: “I think it’s been great to reconnect with my son in a way you probably cannot even put it into words. I liked how it brought my attention to things; like when we talked about active listening and being present, and things that are outside that you don’t really mean to overlook, but things get in the way of life.”

Speaking of sharing meals with their family, one prisoner said: “Just the simple fact the family are sitting down having a meal with you, using a table. It’s a completely different dynamic”.

The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids programme is likely to spread across Scotland, with the SPS saying HMP Barlinnie staff have trained a further 23 colleagues from prisons across Scotland to deliver the sessions. In the coming months, the programme is set to begin at HMPs Low Moss, Shotts, Kilmarnock, and Dumfries.

In a statement, the research team at the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling, led by Prof Cindy Gray, Prof Kate Hunt and Dr Linda Brown said: "Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids at HMP Barlinnie has been a great success in making a positive difference in the lives of the men, their children, and the family members involved.

“The programme has fostered closer bonds and warmer relationships between the men and their children, marking a meaningful step in strengthening family connections. Its success has been due to the exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication of the staff involved.”

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