Righting Reentry and Relationships - Promoting Positive Parenting and Successful Transitions for Previously 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.

The Children’s Friend and Service program will target young men (younger than age 25) from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections facilities who are identified as medium to high risk; have children ages 0 to 5; and are being released to the Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Cranston areas. It is anticipated that this project will serve 75 young fathers over the course of the project period, with a long-term outcome of improving the health and well-being of fathers, children, and families. This project will help young fathers transition and reenter successfully into the community; help young fathers and their children maintain loving, healthy relationships; ensure that staff are highly skilled, competent, and well-supported in their work with young fathers; and ensure that partners and the larger community collaborate in providing comprehensive and holistic transition, reentry, and parenting services to these young fathers. CA/NCF