TAP's Positive Parents Program for Incarcerated Young Fathers

The Second Chance Act Strengthening Relationships Between Young Fathers, Young Mothers, and Their Children provides funding to support the successful transition of young fathers and mothers as they return to their families and communities from incarceration. This program funds coordinated and comprehensive strategies that incorporate (1) mentoring and transitional reentry services proven to reduce recidivism, (2) effective parenting skills development and parent/child relationship engagement for young fathers or mothers, and (3) private and community service partnerships that promote public safety and support added positive outcomes for young parents and their children.

Total Action Against Poverty Positive Parents will provide pre- and post-release supportive services and parenting classes to incarcerated fathers younger than age 25 in the Roanoke-Alleghany region of Virginia. The project will target 80 young fathers; the goals are to show a decrease in recidivism among participants in comparison with the statewide recidivism rates, an increase in understanding of the dynamics of parenting and relationships, and an increase in the number of visits with their children. The program will use evidence-based curricula, mentoring, and pre- and post-release classes in the areas of responsible parenting, healthy relationships, and economic stability to achieve sufficient positive impact in the participants. CA/NCF