So whenever the opportunity comes up to take part in our Storytime program, people jump at it!
It’s a chance for dads or mums in custody to select and read a book for their child and know that their voice recording and the book will be sent home, poured over and listened to (often repeatedly!) by their child.
Children feel more connected with their parents through hearing their voices and receiving this gift, and parents in custody get time to consider what their child is experiencing and what they can do to make this time apart easier for them both.
This connection was expressed by a dad in custody who took part in Storytime at the South Coast Correctional Centre.
After completing his recording, he thoughtfully told our team, “Books are a great source of knowledge and can bring families together.”
We couldn’t have said it better!
“One dad said how much he loved the message of the book The Lion Inside, “We all have a mouse and lion inside,” as this resonated with him and his son.”
Our team at the South Coast Correctional Centre said, “You can tell the dads really care and miss their loved ones.
“One dad said how much he loved the message of the book The Lion Inside, “We all have a mouse and lion inside,” as this resonated with him and his son.”
The storybooks offered to parents are often chosen, especially because they were written to help children facing change or separated from loved ones or are stories that encourage resilience and confidence.
The Lion Inside fits this brief perfectly as it is about building confidence and self-esteem, which children experiencing the stigma of having a parent in custody often struggle with.
It is also about facing fears and dealing with change, other issues these children often need to grapple.
Thank you to the South Coast Correctional Centre staff for supporting this program.
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