By Harold Curtis

Psychology Associate, Health Services

Nine inmates recently graduated from the first ever “Parenting Inside Out” program at Olympic Corrections Center (OCC). Incarcerated fathers participating in the Parenting Inside Out program filled their proverbial tool boxes with valuable lessons to make a stronger parenting journey for both their children and themselves.

The fathers took the initiative to create a different life for their children by accepting the responsibility of thinking differently and rose to the challenge of taking steps to rebuild their relationships with their families. They learned communication skills, set goals and studied child development. The participating fathers met and achieved demanding goals and succeeded in completing the class, and graduated in front of family and friends.

However, the seeds were planted on not only an individual level but also on an agency-wide level as well. As the OCC pilot class graduated, incarcerated parents at other state correctional facilities across Washington are starting their journeys in Parenting Inside Out classes. Inmates and families have provided feedback that the program has made a difference in their lives. They’ve noted internal family dynamic changes, indicating a brighter future for both the children and parents.

Congratulations to the graduates of the first Parenting Inside Out course: Rashad Brown, Steve Kighten, Shawn Lushenko, Marvin Matthews, Roger Murdock, Richard Palmer, Timothy Rebuffo, Marco Thaxton and Jeremy Yeger