Parenting Programs for Current and Post-Incarcerated Fathers: A Literature Review of Attachment-Based and Play Therapy

Oct 15, 2026

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The literature review examines parenting programs designed for incarcerated fathers, focusing on interventions tailored to their needs during incarceration and after release. It highlights attachment-based approaches and play therapy as key modalities, summarizing how these strategies may strengthen parenting attachment and related outcomes across current and post-incarceration contexts. The review also considers broader implications, including potential support for reducing recidivism and expanding evidence-informed parenting interventions throughout re-entry.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Purpose and scope of the literature review

Parenting programs and interventions

Implications for re-entry and recidivism

Evidence base and key concepts

63 International Journal of the Whole Child 2025, VOL. 10, NO. 1 Families and Children: Health and Wellness Parenting Programs for Current and Post-Incarcerated Fathers: A Literature Review of Attachment-Based and Play Therapy Jasmine Reynoldsa, Tony Michaelb, Katherine M. Hermann-Turnerca-cTennessee Tech University Jasmine Reynolds is a Professional School Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), master’s-level clinician, and Ph.D. student in Counseling and Supervision at Tennessee Tech University. She currently serves as the past-president of the Tau Tau Upsilon Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and is a 2024 NBCC Doctoral Fellow. Jasmine brings a wealth of experience as both a school counselor and clinician, including work with incarcerated populations. Her research centers on incarcerated individuals, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the intergenerational impact of incarceration on families. Jasmine’s dedication to these critical issues is evident in her ongoing research, advocacy, and commitment to fostering systemic change that promotes resilience, healing, and equity within communities. Dr. Tony Michael is a Full Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychology at Tennessee Tech University and the Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision. A Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee, he is also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. With over two decades of clinical experience, his research focuses on attachment, mental health interventions, and student well-being. Dr. Michael has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and academic texts across counseling, education, and psychology. He has chaired doctoral dissertations and master’s theses and served on multiple research committees. He is an active presenter at international, national, regional, and state conferences, as well as invited workshops and trainings. As a research advisor, he has mentored students in presenting their work, with several earning recognition for their contributions. Committed to advancing the field, he integrates research, clinical practice, and mentorship to support the next generation of counselors and scholars. Katherine M. Hermann-Turner, Ph.D., LPC, BC-TMH, NCC, is an Associate Professor at Tennessee Tech University. As a faculty member, she integrates her experiences as a counselor, mother, and researcher into graduate counseling courses. Her research focus is on caregiver support, maternal metal health, and qualitative methods through a Relational Cultural Theory lens. She is a License Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Tennessee, a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) . 64 Abstract The purpose of this literature review was to describe the research regarding parenting programs designed for incarcerated fathers. In doing so, this manuscript explores parenting programs and interventions specifically tailored to the needs of incarcerated fathers, with particular attention to those incorporating attachment-based approaches and play therapy. Findings in the literature suggested that play therapy as an intervention shows promise for improving the attachment style of parenting, current and post-incarceration. Further implications that include the potential for reducing recidivism and increasing parenting interventions during incarceration are discussed. Keywords: Incarcerated Fathers, Parenting Programs, Re-Entry, Play Therapy, Post-Release In the United States, more than 1.2 million individuals are incarcerated in federal and state prisons (Carson & Kluckow, 2023) . Of these, 93% are males, and 43% identify as fathers (Carson & Kluckow, 2023; Ghandnoosh et al., 2021) . Despite a decrease of 16,800 individuals in state and federal prison populations in 2020, local jails experienced an increase of 87,200 incarcerations in 2021, res

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the literature review?

The review describes research on parenting programs for incarcerated fathers and emphasizes interventions tailored to their needs during incarceration and after release.

Which intervention approaches are highlighted?

The review focuses on attachment-based approaches and play therapy, discussing their potential to improve parenting attachment-related outcomes for current and post-incarceration fathers.

What implications does the review discuss beyond parenting outcomes?

It discusses potential benefits such as reducing recidivism and increasing the availability and use of parenting interventions during incarceration and re-entry.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Hazel