Very Positive Outlook, Inc.

This course was developed for incarcerated fathers. It has also been adapted to accommodate those dads re-entering their communities on parole. The curriculum bridges the gap between inmate/ex-offender and his children. This is accomplished by breaking down the barriers to assimilating back into society. Discussion of emotional barriers such as shame, guilt and detachment between them and their children are addressed. Positive emotional substitutes are offered such as words of encouragement, acts of kindness, sensitivity and empathy. The men explore their pasts to help set new goals for their futures. They discover the possibility that they can parent differently from their own experience as a child. This prepares them for re-entry into society and helps them to avoid being a part of the 66% who return to prison.