Pact's Resettlement Team at HMP Forest Bank facilitate Family Time, a two-day Family Literacy in Prisons (FLIP) course devised by the University of Sheffield.
FLIP is designed for prisoners who want to strengthen their bond with their children and learn more about their child’s early development.
Course Aim: To support parents to play a more active role in developing their children’s literacy using simple, everyday practices.
Course outcomes: Stronger bonds between parent and child. A better understanding of the importance of literacy and children’s early development. Improved confidence in parenting skills.
Course facilitation and content: This prison-based course is run by University-trained Pact workers. It is typically structured around a one-day workshop, followed by a child-centred visit. During the workshop, the parents are introduced to the ORIM (Opportunities, Recognition, Interaction and Modelling) framework. Stages of children’s literacy development are explained and they discuss the importance of their role as parents in contributing to their children’s learning. In the afternoon, parents choose a book that they will gift to each child that is attending the visit, and discuss the planned activities. Day 2 comprises of a child-centred visit where parents are able to put into practice the skills they have learned and engage in fun activities with their children which might include: storytelling, puppet-making, painting, mask-making, writing and drawing. "I've realised how important my role is and how really important it is that I stay in touch with my kids." FLIP participant.
To learn more about Pact's Family Time and family literacy in prisons, watch this short film linked below:
