This was a Virtual Event
Description:
Incarcerated fathers who stay connected with their children are more likely to be successful upon release, and their children benefit as well. Staff from the Department of Corrections shared the struggles of keeping fathers connected with their children and what has worked for them. Several currently incarcerated fathers from Stafford Creek Corrections Center and Airway Heights Corrections Center shared their stories and insights into how being incarcerated has impacted them and how they have worked to be a become the father they want to be and their children need.
About Our Presenters:
Tera McElravy, Corrections Specialist, Strength in Families Program, Reentry Division, Washington State Department of Corrections
Tera is a corrections specialist for the Strength in Families program within the Washington State Department of Corrections. She provides education and guidance to incarcerated fathers returning to the community to enhance a positive and healthy reconnection with their children and families. Most of her 23 years with the department has been spent managing and creating enrichment programs for people who are incarcerated and their families. She has observed firsthand the support opportunities and unique struggles of people when trying to return home.
Terren Beeman, MSW, LICSWA, SUDP, Parent Navigator, Airway Heights Corrections Center, Washington State Department of Corrections
Terren has been working with families involved in the child welfare system since 2014 with the Parents for Parents program as a parent ally. He has lived experience as a person who was incarcerated and as a parent in the child welfare system. He has worked in the behavioral health field since 2017 helping people with substance use and mental health disorders. He has been with DOC since March 2023 as a parent navigator and is currently co-creating the Family Reunification program working with DCYF-involved fathers incarcerated at Airway Heights Corrections Center near Spokane, Washington.