Dads in custody were excited to try something new and made mosaic art for their children, including wonderfully crafted name plaques for children to hang on their bedroom door with pride and signs saying ‘Love’ and ‘Home’ for relatives to place somewhere special.
Unique craft days like this are only possible thanks to the support of correctional staff, one of whom kindly donated a huge bucket full of tiles for the dads to use.
“I would help where needed, but really, they just became involved in what they were doing,” said our team.
One of the dads who has a baby on the way made one sign for a girl and one for a boy, so his partner will have something for the baby from him, whichever gender they are.”
These days are always a calming, mindful experience for the parents in custody. They allow parents time to reflect on their role in the family and to create gifts so children know they are always in their mum’s or dad’s heart.
Sometimes, activity days can give rise to a new hobby or passion.
“One of the dads said he was thoroughly loving working with the tiles and that he wished he had known how to do this before be was incarcerated, when he had all the time at home and nothing to do,” our team said.
“He’s eager to take up creating mosaics in the future. It’s nice to note that these activities can help people in custody start to think about what direction they’d like to take when they are released.
“Giving the opportunity to help others try something new and create something for their family is priceless.”
Another program that children and parents love is Storytime!
Storytime connects families by sending a voice recording of a parent reading a book, along with the storybook, to their child to listen to at home.
Sometimes parents in custody are able to create a gift to send along with the book and recording, as was the case at Wellington Correctional Centre, where mums made lovely dream catchers for their children.
Our team was overjoyed to receive some lovely feedback from one family, who wrote:
“Mac* loved his presents from his Mum. We hung his dreamcatcher on his bedroom wall, and we both read through the book while Belle* narrated it via recording. He thought it was hilarious that the mouse had sunk the boat!
It was a lovely gift, and I am very happy that Mum was able to connect with Mac through Storytime.”
*Names changed to protect program participants.
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