Our stories

For three little boys and their dad in custody, staying connected is key to their wellbeing, and dads aim to make a new life for himself when he’s released.

Mark* (8), Ben* (12), and Michael* (14) had a good relationship with their dad, Phil* before he was incarcerated, and the family was close.

But a relationship breakdown with their mother and frequently changing correctional centres meant that the boys didn’t get to visit their dad for over two years, taking a toll on this important parent/child bond.

Dad Phil, however, was desperate to see them. When he was moved to Parklea Correctional Centre, where SHINE for Kids operates and offers supervised visits, he approached our team as soon as he could.

While their mother does not wish to enter the centre, she has supported the children in rebuilding their relationship with their dad.

Our team have helped set up regular supervised visits for the dad and his kids, meeting them at the SHINE for Kids Family Centre and walking them in for the visit.

“Maintaining a bond with my kids gives me a better mindset … without you guys, I would not have had that contact and a relationship with my kids.”

 

This time together has been wonderful for the boys and their dad. During visits, they play UNO and chat about school, sports, and life.

“Dad is extremely determined to see his kids regularly so they can build a connection before he is released,” said our team.

“He’s told me that for dads in custody, connection with kids is a positive experience and gives dads more of a reason to not come back to prison.

“Knowing that he will be released at the end of the year gives him something to look forward to and plan for, and he’s motivated to stay in contact with the kids and the possibility of them staying over with him.”

It’s clear that Phil and his boys are very grateful for SHINE for Kids support, with him saying, “Maintaining a bond with my kids gives me a better mindset … without you guys, I would not have had that contact and a relationship with my kids.”

*Names and images changed to protect participant privacy.