About F.A.C.T. Experience
F.A.C.T. Experience is an elaborate multifaceted initiative created by the men of the United Community Action Network (U-CAN) to offset
inter-generational incarceration by connecting or reconnecting
fathers/grandfathers back into the lives of their children/grandchildren. F.A.C.T. Experience is a twelve (12) week initiative.
The United Community Action Network (U-CAN), an outreach organization at SCI-Phoenix, has created an Initiative called Fathers And Children Together (F.A.C.T. Experience). This initiative allow fathers to spend quality time with their children in a one-on-one setting, to discuss issues affecting their lives on a daily basis.
F.A.C.T. Experience allows children to bond with their fathers or grandfathers through arts & crafts activities. A key component is the presence of having a professional counselor who can address sensitive issues that the children may deal with on a daily basis, or that may arise during the visiting workshops. The F.A.C.T. Experience empowers incarcerated fathers to make a positive difference in their children’s lives by helping to steer them in the right direction.
About the F.A.C.T. Experience Timeline
Phase One
For six weeks straight, all participating fathers/grandfathers are required to attend mandatory educational parenting sessions. These sessions are designed to educate the fathers/grandfathers about the pain and suffering they have caused their children due to their incarceration.
The F.A.C.T. Experience facilitates that they have obligations and responsibilities as men and as fathers/grandfathers to take care of their
children/grandchildren regardless of their circumstances. In addition, they also learn bonding techniques and the importance of co-parenting. This prepares them - some of whom have never experienced being a
father/grandfather - for phase two of the program, i.e., one-on-one visitations.
Each of the following sessions consist of two classes per week:
(Session 1) The Cause & Effects of a Fatherless Household
(Session 2) Responsibility/Accountability
(Session 3) Bonding
(Session 4) Importance of your Child’s Education
(Session 5) Positive & Negative Reinforcement
(Session 6) Self-Love/Self-Worth
Phase Two
For six weeks straight, the children will participate in F.A.C.T. Experience one-on-one visitation sessions with their fathers/grandfathers. These visits are not the normal visit that take place inside of Correctional Institution.
F.A.C.T. Experience one-on-one visits are therapeutic which provides a personal space where children and their fathers/grandfather can begin to heal from the trauma (i.e., depression, anxiety and shame) caused by their separation. In addition, it gives the children an opportunity to build a stronger bond with his/her father/grandfather, as well as build a friendship with other children who have an incarcerated father.
This is crucial to the healing process because many of them believe they are the only ones who have a father in prison. This is a life altering and memorable experience for everyone who participate in the F.A.C.T. Experience, especially, the children.
(Week 1) Learning Likes & Dislikes
(Week 2) Arts & Crafts Activities
(Week 3) Air-It-Out
(Week 4) Civil Engagement
(Week 5) Arts & Crafts Activities
(Week 6) Air-It-Out
Each week, the fathers/grandfathers and the children/grandchildren will enjoy a meal together. This is the first step in the bonding process. This give the fathers/grandfathers an opportunity to open up and talk to their children/grandchildren and each other regarding life issues.
Following the meal, before the start of any activities, a group dynamic is assembled so each child/grandchild can introduce his/her father/grandfather to everyone. During all the sessions, there are usually a clinical psychologist/therapist available to address any sensitive issues that may arise. Each week, while the children/grandchildren are with their fathers/grandfathers the mothers/caregivers will be ushered to a different location to enjoy a meal and to discuss the importance of co-parenting. There will also be other organized activities scheduled for the mothers/caregivers during these six weeks.
After the completion of phase two, there will be a commencement ceremony where each child/grandchild, father/grandfather, and mother/caregiver will receive a Certificate of Completion. To continue fostering the bond developed between fathers/grandfathers and their children/grandchildren while participating in this initiative there will be one-on-one bi-monthly visits provided throughout the year. The Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) will host some of the activities for these visits. There will also be other organizations and supporters assisting with this phase of the F.A.C.T. Experience.
Did you know?
2.7 million children in the U.S. have a father in prison. (See: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families/Office of Family Assistance, 2018)
50% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders are from fatherless homes.
(See: University of Minnesota Medical School, 2018)
82,000 children in the State of Pennsylvania have an incarcerated parent or parents. (See: Pa. Gov.)
30,000 children in the city of Philadelphia have an incarcerated parent or parents, 13,000 are paternal parents. (See: Phila. Daily News)
Objectives of F.A.C.T.
⦁ Reconnecting fathers into the lives of their children
⦁ Educating mothers about trauma and the importance of co-parenting
⦁ Making communities safer by getting fathers involved in their children’s lives
Requirements
⦁ Child must be 7-17 years of age to participate.
⦁ There will be a two week enrollment period for the mother/caregiver to register their child into the F.A.C.T. Experience. External Representatives will notify mothers/caregivers when the enrollment period begins. Once the enrollment period ends, mother/caregiver will have to wait until the next cohort to register their child to participate. There will be No Exceptions!
⦁ Mother/Caregiver who will be using van services will be required to arrive at the designated location no later than 3:30p.m. Van service will be Free to all participants. If mother/caregiver choose to drive their child to SCI-Phoenix, they must arrive no later than 5:00p.m.
⦁ Once the children are processed in, the mothers/caregivers will participate in a co-parenting workshop in the visitors lobby conference room .
⦁ Immediately after entering the visiting room, the children will eat a (Free) meal with their fathers
⦁ All One-On-One visitation workshops and commencement presentations will be held on Saturdays.
Support Groups
The Gathering:
“Coming Together in Justice for JustUS”
At the core of the F.A.C.T. Experience is the belief that a sustained, solid relationship with our children is the responsibility of everyone, and this happens most effectively when caregivers are themselves strengthened. The Gathering is an inclusive space for parents, guardians and family members impacted by incarceration. Our space provides support and healing as we address and dismantle the societal, communal and emotional obstacles encountered when living with incarceration. Training, workshops, activities and educational advocacy are offered via a holistic, trauma-informed perspective.
Uplift Workforce Solutions
Uplift Workforce Solutions’ re-entry program is an innovative employment program designed to facilitate the requisite training and provide employment opportunities for returning citizens in and around the Philadelphia region. Uplift Workforce Solutions guarantees immediate placement of the F.A.C.T. Experience graduates upon their release.
