Storybook Dads: Preserving Bonds with Parents in Prison

Authors

All around the world, children spend their evenings tucked up in their parents’ arms, absorbing the stories and skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Bedtime stories leave many positive impacts on children; not only do they help them to fall asleep, creating fond memories along the way, but it has been ascertained that this habit helps to improve the relationship between children and their parents, alleviate their stress levels, and strengthen their grasp on language and literacy.

However, this is not the story for every child. More than 300,000 children are estimated to have at least one parent in prison in England and Wales – and when a parent is incarcerated, it is their children who are the ones missing out on crucial memories. Research from Barnardo’s, another charity which targets children affected by the imprisonment of a parent, has shown that parental imprisonment has a direct impact on children’s academic attainment, socioemotional development, and often behaviour. Storybook Dads provides the opportunity for these parents to bridge this gap and connect with their children through the magic of storytelling. “Our daughter was absolutely over the moon,” said one parent, “She has just started school and after watching her Dad she went to school happy, no tears, and feeling loved. She even recited his message.”

Who are Storybook Dads?

Storybook Dads was started by Sharon Berry in 2003, after observing how challenging it was for imprisoned parents to stay in contact with their children, and how crucial it was for them to continue to fulfil the expected aspects of a parental role, no matter how small it may seem.

The prisoners are recorded reading a children’s storybook, which is then placed on a CD or DVD which is sent to their child. The book is of their choice, however Kizzy Wroath, Project Manager at Storybook Dads, shared that The Gruffalo is the most popular option. The stories are then recorded against a creative backdrop, which reinforces the uplifting nature of the project for all involved.

Recording these stories on a disk means that the child can listen to it as many times as they like, no matter the time of day. This then becomes a tangible visual reminder that they are loved and being thought of by their parent. “I love and miss Daddy so much,” said one child, “The story he did for me of Monkey Puzzle made me happy as I got to hear his voice and laugh. I listen to it every day.”

What makes Storybook Dads Special

Actively staying in touch with a parent in prison as a child is difficult. Often occurring during the school day, prison visiting times are limited, and interactions with a parent over a visiting hall table can be challenging. Adult prisoners in England and Wales are held an average of 45 miles away from their home (according to data from the Ministry of Justice) making it even more difficult to organise visits for families. Phone calls are limited by time and, particularly for young children, hard to understand. Altogether, it is a very different experience to the home life these children were accustomed to before their parent became incarcerated. Thus, not only does the digital nature of Storybook Dads’ service transcend these physical barriers, but a key benefit of reading a story specifically is that it is a familiar memory and provides comfort to the child. 

“This is a fantastic idea and really helped as my son has special needs and doesn't understand where his Dad has gone. He was so happy to get this.”

Storybook Dads: for Parents and Children

Furthermore, it is not just the child who is benefited by Storybook Dads’ programme. Allowing an imprisoned parent to maintain contact also reduces the likelihood of them reoffending. A government-commissioned review confirmed that maintaining family ties is essential for preventing prisoners from reoffending after being released. Despite this, an expected half of all prisoners lose regular contact with their families while they are incarcerated. However, data from Storybook Dads showed that 94% of prisoners said that engaging with the project improved and enriched their relationship with their children, and 84% said that it has helped to reduce the likelihood of them re-offending.

“Being able to do this for my kids means so much to me. I am doing a long time and there's no words to express how appreciative I am. Without this it would be so much harder.”

The stories themselves are made extra special by the editing process, which provides further opportunities for those incarcerated. Within the Dartmoor headquarters, most stories are edited by prisoners themselves who are trained by Storybook Dads. They use software to remove mistakes and background noises, add images, music, and sound effects to enhance the stories. Since 2002, more than 900 prisoners have trained to be editors, providing them with long-lasting skills, work experience, and a better chance of employment upon release. 100% of these editors reported an improvement in computer skills, confidence, well-being, creativity, attitude, and behaviour. This has helped some to continue temporary employment upon their release, helping them to adjust to life again. 

"It's nice to know that I am contributing to the quality of relationships that parents can still maintain even though they are in prison.”

Recent data published by the Ministry of Justice shows that 57% of adult prisoners taking initial assessments had literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old. This is something that Storybook Dads is aware of, and the team supports those with difficulties. Furthermore, the editing process works alongside this and even enables non-readers to take part by repeating spoken words. Thus, reading a story for their children becomes a powerful motivator to practise and improve themselves, as well as their familial relationships.

Where is Storybook Dads now?

As it stands, Storybook Dads is now used in 100 UK prisons and young offender institutes. They also work in a number of Secure Training Centres and Secure Hospitals. As well as the UK, the project has globalised to being present in Poland, Denmark, Hungary, America, and Australia. In recognition of their work, they received a 2022 Centre for Social Justice Award demonstrating their impact.

Storybook Dads’ work continues to expand, introducing workshops which allow prisoners to create memories for their children. Examples include sessions to create memory books, calendars, or challenge charts for their children to receive. The gifts are fully personalised, meaning that prisoners are able to use things like their child’s favourite colours and characters. As a result, all the projects have been “truly treasured by the children”.

“Personalising a Height Chart for my son was really rewarding and made me feel like I was able to do something lovely for him and also be part of home life.”

Furthermore, Storybook Dads is not just limited to dads in prison, with Storybook Mums operating in female prisons. As well as this, although the scheme is primarily for parents, most prisons allow other family members to participate, including grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles. The aim is to help to encourage familial bonds for children, which stretch beyond immediate family.

“My son loves seeing his uncle on screen, and this eased a prison visit as my son was able to recognise and be excited to see him.”

How Cambridge MC is helping

For many families, these story discs are a lifeline, helping to heal bonds and build needed relationships for children. Cambridge Management Consulting is proud to support this venture through the development of a digitalised platform, aimed at making the Storybook Dads process more accessible. Taking the form of an app in order to promote Storybook Dads’ aims of proximity and repetition, this platform is being generously funded by Rahul Moodgal and Damian Mitchelmore and developed by our inhouse digital experts.

How You can help Storybook Dads

Storybook Dads relies upon charitable contributions, and each donation continues to help provide this vital service and support them to go even further.

To get involved, you can donate at this link: https://www.storybookdads.org.uk/donate/donate/5/credit-card

To find out more about what Storybook Dads does, you can watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zlq10Gj4Bk

You can also watch this TEDTalk from an ex-prisoner: https://www.ted.com/talks/alan_crickmore_how_storytelling_helps_parents_in_prison_stay_connected_to_their_kids 

About Cambridge Management Consulting

Cambridge Management Consulting (Cambridge MC) is an international consulting firm that helps companies of all sizes have a better impact on the world. Founded in Cambridge, UK, initially to help the start-up community, Cambridge MC has grown to over 150 consultants working on projects in 20 countries.

Our capabilities focus on supporting the private and public sector with their people, process and digital technology challenges.

For more information visit www.cambridgemc.com or get in touch below.