For the first time, dads at Mary Wade Correctional Centre completed the SHINE for Kids Bringing Up Great Kids program — giving them tools to understand their children, communicate better, and build stronger family relationships.
The program was delivered following a request from staff who saw a real need for extra parenting support.
One dad said it helped him “think mindfully about messages being sent and received in my parenting.” Another shared that it encouraged him to open up about his own feelings and experiences.
The SHINE for Kids facilitator said it was a privilege to work with such an “engaged group of dads.”
We’ve already seen the program in action — one dad used the “iceberg analogy” during a visit, helping him respond to his son with more patience and understanding.
The team at Mary Wade have been incredibly supportive throughout this pilot program, delivered by SHINE for Kids with the centre’s collaboration. This was a special one-off initiative to inform future planning.
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