Reclaiming fatherhood: an evaluation of a joint-visitation parenting program for incarcerated fathers

Paternal incarceration can perpetuate intergenerational disadvantage and negatively affect children’s well-being. In 2025, 85% of 10,232 inmates in Hong Kong, China, were male, potentially leaving many children with incarcerated fathers. Prison-based parenting programs can help mitigate adverse effects by strengthening father-child relationships. However, literature has yet to explore the efficacy of such programs using theoretically grounded and culturally adapted perspectives. This study examines the efficacy of the “Be My Hero” (BMH) program, developed based on the Double ABCX model of family resilience, which aims to enhance incarcerated fathers’ parenting skills and build healthy familial relationships through educational classes and joint visitation sessions. Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, we assessed 19 male inmates from three correctional facilities. Pre-post changes among incarcerated fathers were assessed via the following measures: the Child–Parent Relationship Scale – Short Form, Parent-Child Relationship Inventory – Communication subscale, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale – Efficacy subscale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Semi-structured interviews with fathers, children, case workers, and correctional staff were conducted to explore changes in paternal identity and competence, parent-child relationships, and any barriers or facilitators encountered throughout program implementation. Quantitative results demonstrated significant improvements in father-child relationship closeness and reduced conflict levels (effect sizes d = 0.33 and 0.28, all p < .05, respectively), though no measurable changes occurred in resilience or parent-child communication. Qualitative data from participants revealed meaningful positive changes even within the context of incarceration, including strengthened father-child bonds, reinforced paternal identity, improved communication skills, enhanced parenting efficacy, and greater optimism for future planning. Our program has shown that positive father-child relationships can be cultivated despite the context of incarceration. The study underscores the importance of incorporating family-centered approaches into standard correctional practices and hopes to inspire initiatives showing that prevention, rehabilitation, and equitable opportunities can disrupt intergenerational incarceration by reducing proximal risks and strengthening families.