Below is the Press Release from the State of Massachusetts (see link) regarding Judge Menno's involvement as a key note speaker for this program.
Press Release - June 27, 2007
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
More than 1,600 Offenders Have Become Better Fathers
EXCERPTS
See link for complete article
"In Plymouth County, Brockton District Court runs a Fatherhood Program, which was established in 2000. The court held its graduation on June 13th at the court. Plymouth County Probate & Family Court Judge James V. Menno was the keynote speaker. A total of 132 fathers have gone through the program."
"The Fatherhood Program was something that was definitely needed. Kids, fathers, and families benefit even to this day."
Press Release - June 27, 2007
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
More than 1,600 Offenders Have Become Better Fathers
Thanks to Probation's Fatherhood Program
EXCERPTS See link for complete article
Shawn Suarez Sr., a 32-year-old father of a pre-teen son, never knew his father. Suarez, however, wanted to make sure that his son grew up knowing him.
After being released from prison, he fought for and gained custody of his child. Suarez, who was later placed on probation for subsequent charges, was ordered to attend Probation's 12-week Fatherhood Program at Springfield District Court.
Suarez said he found something at the program that he had not found in any of the many programs he was ordered to attend by the courts or while in prison.
"This program was not like any of the AA's or NA's or like anything I have ever attended. In this program, I felt like I could be myself, like I don't have to tell them what they want to hear," Suarez said. "The biggest thing that I learned is how important it is to my son for me to be in his life. You mostly hear about how important mothers are."
Suarez is one of more than 100 probationers across the state who have graduated from one of Probation's 12 Fatherhood Programs over the past year. Chief Probation Officer Thomas Mitchell and Deputy Commissioner Steve Bocko created the Fatherhood Program in 1994 when Mitchell noticed that many of the men who came before the court had one commonality.
"An overwhelming majority had little or no contact with their own fathers," Mitchell said.
"In Plymouth County, Brockton District Court runs a Fatherhood Program, which was established in 2000. The court held its graduation on June 13th at the court. Plymouth County Probate & Family Court Judge James V. Menno was the keynote speaker. A total of 132 fathers have gone through the program."
"The Fatherhood Program was something that was definitely needed. Kids, fathers, and families benefit even to this day."
Well, mostly incarceration results in poverty, destitution, a change of profession (usually to illegal) and a loss of contact with the children. Oh and curious rashes contracted in prison, not to mention a whole new social circle.
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