Young offenders as fathers
Among 15-17 year old offenders 12% have children of their own (Prisons Inspectorate estimate); and among those aged 22 and under, nearly half are (or are about to become) fathers – as well as having literacy/numeracy levels below age 11. Over half have been in care; many have experienced violence or sexual abuse at home; and few have had models of good fathering. Early fatherhood either helps prevent re-offending or strains fragile coping mechanisms and damages self esteem. Post-release support for young offenders as fathers is poorer than for adult offenders.
(Parenting Under Pressure: Prison. London: Young Voice, 2005)
Tags: Imprisoned fathers