Storybook Dads evaluation

Project Description

This project examines the effectiveness of the Storybook Dads approach to increasing literacy amongst male prisoners. As part of the programme, a DVD is created of the prisoner reading a book to their child, they also write a card and workbook that gets sent to their child. The programme also includes activities to enhance and develop the men's parenting skills. Initial research has measured literacy at the beginning and end of each programme. To date over 90% of those who have completed the programme have made literacy gains of at least one level. This project will extend the initial research by examining further the prisoners’ literacy skills, and also examine whether the programme enhances and strengthens family or whānau relationships while the men are in prison. A mixed method approach will be used to assess the impact of the Storybook Dads programme.

Project Team

• Charles Pearce (Contact Project Leader), The Methodist Mission
• Jan Bain, The Methodist Mission
• Dr Mike Brown, The Methodist Mission
• John Crawford-Smith, The Methodist Mission
• Hine Forsyth, A3 Kaitiaki Ltd
• Reverend Donald Phillipps, The Methodist Mission
• Bronwyn Powell-Grubb, The Methodist Mission
• Dr Linda Robertson, Otago Polytechnic

Project Funding

$ 96,600 (excl. GST)

Key Dates

Project commenced: late 2010

Expected completion date: mid 2012

Project Outputs

Presentation given at the 2011 Ako Aotearoa Research in Progress Colloquium

Media Coverage of Storybook Dads

• Storybook Dads teaches literacy and parenting skills - Arts Access Aotearoa, 11 June 2010
• Father's Day behind bars - Otago Daily Times, 4 September 2010
• Storybook Dads - Nine to Noon, Radio New Zealand National, 7 July 2010
• Partnership drives Kaupapa Māori Storybook Dads - Arts Access Aotearoa, 10 March 2011