Corrections_Today_July_August_2019_Vol.84_No.4

identify personal and societal barriers that hinder their personal growth, as well as the stability and foundation of their family, and actively work to dismantle them and establish positive behavioral patterns through cognitive restructuring and positive role-modeling. The program provides an evidence-based approach to help fathers be- come well-equipped with the challenges that they’ll face upon release, and by following the five R’s shown in their Model of Change (Figure 1), fathers are given the proper tools to become leaders in their family, community and workplace. The 10-week program tackles different topics and places for improvement with each workshop, but they all have the same overarching goal of teaching the participants how to improve each aspect of their lives in order to provide a better life for each member of their families. 1 D-TIP The first workshop of TYRO Dads establishes the groundwork for the following workshops and establishes a foundation of expectations and ground rules. Partici- pants learn the definition of a TYRO and then pledge to finish each workshop. Each TYRO participant will write their own personal story with complete transpar- ency, which they will eventually share with the other participants. This course is a crucial first step in ad- dressing and beginning to overcome any obstacles that are placed in front of them or any labels that they were given, by themselves or by others. Participants are also encouraged to identify the need for a safe and healthy environment for their families. 2 Pretender This workshop is designed to specifically define where participants are in the stages of life — childhood and adulthood. It is easy to identify the stages of child- hood, however it is more difficult to successfully navigate through being a functional and productive adult. The goal of this part of the program is for participants to become aware of the need to create a personal improvement plan as they continue to journey through adulthood. 3 Virtues Virtue is described as behavior showing high moral standards. Participants in this stage will identify old, negative habits and attributes and recognize the

importance of setting new, virtuous goals for their future. TYROs are encouraged to discard the entitlement mentality and embrace a life of selflessness that includes accepting responsibility for fulfilling the duties of a father.

“The Wardens that welcome Ron and Cathy and the staff into the prisons TRUST them. With the offenders, Ron’s walked the walk, Cathy has been there to support, and Cathy has a credible relationship with the family members of those incarcerated. They’ve been there. They’ve done that. It’s about their focus on the future.” — Gary C. Mohr President of the American Correctional Association

4 Identity This workshop is conducted in two parts:

Identity Part 1: In this workshop, participants will begin writing their autobiographies. Participants learn the value of telling their story and speaking life and truth into their own lives. Complete transparency is required for this stage, because though telling their story may appear hurtful, it is of utmost importance to uncover past traumas in order for a healing process to begin. Writing an autobiography helps in identifying personal, marital and parental strengths and weakness- es and recognizing triggers. Participants are assured that their autobiography is far from finished, giving hope for a bright future. →

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