How does Storybook Dads/Mums work? Expand Your imprisoned parent/loved one applies to record a story. Once they've received an appointment, they will choose a book and will be recorded reading a story using Audio or Video (not all prisons offer a video option). The recording is downloaded onto a computer and sent to the Storybook Dads HQ and Editing Suite based in HMP Channings Wood, where any mistakes are taken out and music and sound effects are added. When we edit a video story, pages from the books are scanned in and added so the finished story is a combination of the parent/loved one reading and the pages from the book (a bit like a Cbeebies bedtime story!) The final edited story is then uploaded to the Storybook Dads app or burnt onto a CD/DVD and posted home to the family. What we do Why we do it The difference we make
Which prisons offer Storybook Dads/Mums? Expand The scheme runs in approximately 100 prisons including women’s prisons and young offender institutes. The scheme also runs in some Secure Training Centres and Secure Hospitals. To see which prisons we currently operate in, click the button below: Where we work
Who can take part? Expand Our scheme is open to anyone in prison regardless of their crime or IEP status. The only rule is that the applicant has approved contact with the child they want to do the story for. Once they apply, this will be checked and approved/rejected by the Offender Management Unit in each prison. Is it just for Dads/Mums? No, anyone in prison can apply to take part for a child relative Although the scheme is primarily for parents, most prisons allow other family members to participate including grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles.
How much does it cost? Expand In most prisons it is completely free. However, a small number of prisons may charge a small fee towards the cost of posting the disc. Participants can also choose to make a donation to Storybook Dads from their prison spends.
Can poor or non-readers take part? Expand There’s no need for non-readers or nervous readers to worry. The co-ordinators of the scheme are very sympathetic and will give any help that is required; from choosing the book to assisting with the reading. Our software enables us to edit the story so it sounds smooth and fluent. The audio clip below demonstrates how non-readers can take part:
Can stories be read in another language? Expand Due to prison security restrictions it’s not always possible to accept stories in any language other than English or Welsh. However, if there is a staff member at the prison who can speak the language and check the recording for content, then it should be fine.
Why don't all prisons offer stories on DVD? Expand Out of our member prisons, 37 prisons currently offer stories on DVD. We would love for all prisons to be able to offer DVDs so that Dad/Mum can be seen as well as heard, but this decision is made by security in each individual prison.
How does the Storybook Dads app work? Expand We created the Storybook Dads app as we are aware that CDs and DVDs are quickly becoming obsolete. Once registered and approved, you can receive audio and video stories via the app, instead of receiving the stories on CD or DVD in the post. This means you can listen to/watch the stories directly on your mobile/tablet, via Bluetooth in the car, a Bluetooth speaker or cast to a Television. Is the Storybook Dads app free? Yes, our app is completely free on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Our app does not contain any ads. Can I download the stories via the app? No, stories can only be streamed and not downloaded/exported from the app. Is there anything I need to do? Once you have registered on the app, you will need to let your partner/loved on in prison your registration details (Name and E-mail), so that when they record the story, they can provide us with your details to be able to receive the story via the app. How will I know I have received a story via the app? Please make sure your Push notifications are turned on in your phone settings for the Storybook Dads app. When we send you a story, you should receive a notification to let you know there is a new story waiting for you. How long will the stories be kept? All stories will be kept on our server for 12months from the date of uploading, unless: a) you don't access the story or your account, in which case the story will be deleted after 6 months. b) your partner/loved one has left prison and you wish to close your account. My partner/loved one has been released from prison, how do I delete my account? We will delete your account and any stories/information associated with it upon request. Please use the Contact Administrator form in the main app menu detailing your request.