The Fatherhood programme at Oakhill Secure Training Centre (a custodial setting for young male offenders aged 12 to 17) is a nurse led intervention specifically designed to improve the outcomes for teenage fathers and expectant fathers and as a preventative measure for young men at risk of becoming teenage fathers.
The programme includes a 'Thinking Through Fatherhood' course run in a group setting which focuses on parenting, relationships and lifestyle and additional 1:1 support tailored to the individual needs of the young men. The course includes the opportunity to care for an electronic baby overnight. Underpinned by the good lives model, a strengths based approach to offender rehabilitation, the programme utilises young mothers and fathers participating in the programme as 'expert's by experience'. Young men with a history of abusive behaviour in relationships undertake a 1:1 intervention with a therapist from Milton Keynes Women's Aid. The nurse delivering the programme was awarded Brook/FPA sexual health professional of the year for this work in 2013 and the programme also won a Youth Justice Board effective practice award for best design in 2013. Since then the programme has developed to include a resettlement aspect. Working with the young dads council, The Fatherhood Programme now follows up on and supports a small group of young fathers/expectant fathers on their release from custody into the community. More information about the programme can be found on the Ministry of Justice's Effective practice library.
E: kate.bulman@uk.g4s.com
T: 01908 866093
