Fathers have a powerful, positive impact on their children’s lives. That’s why, as part of our work to strengthen the systems that support families, we are shifting culture and programs to better engage dads. In two recent podcast interviews, Steven Pascal, our Director of Home Visiting and leader of our fatherhood work, shares meaningful insights into why this work matters and how it’s improving family wellbeing. 

From Behind Bars to Better Dads 

In Episode 107 of The Hustler Files, titled “From Behind Bars to Better Dads,” host Lisa Riley speaks with Sheriff Patrick Cahillane of the Hampshire County Jail and House of Corrections and our own Steven Pascal about our partnership to bring the Nurturing Fathers program to the Hampshire County community. Since our partnership began in 2017, the 13-week course has helped nearly 100 incarcerated men reconnect with their children and reflect deeply on the kind of fathers they want to be. 

Sheriff Cahillane shares how the program brings a sense of purpose and self-worth to participants, noting its “high graduation rates and meaningful impact on personal growth and emotional healing.”

This program is a window into what’s possible when we lead with compassion and meet people where they are – and the greater impact this work has across communities. 

Steven emphasizes the importance of fatherhood engagement as a form of prevention, not just in terms of reducing recidivism, but in building stronger families and safer communities.

“If we want to break cycles of harm,” he says, “we have to invest in connection and belonging. For so many of these men, fatherhood is the key to that.” 

The episode is a testament to what happens when we change systems to support rather than punish and when public systems partner with organizations like the Children’s Trust to offer hope and skills that last long after a sentence ends. 

Steven Pascal Talks Fatherhood & the Children’s Trust  

On The Art of Fatherhood, host Art Eddy interviews Steven in a more personal, free-flowing conversation. The episode offers a candid look at Steven’s own journey as a father, his insights into parenting, and how those experiences inform his work at the Children’s Trust. 

Steven shares, “Being a father isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. And when we help professionals really see dads, really hear them, we open doors that can change the whole trajectory of a family.” 

Throughout the episode, Steven weaves in the philosophy that guides our work: fathers want to be involved, and they can be when we create systems that welcome, respect, and support them. That’s exactly what the Children’s Trust’s training for family support professionals aims to do: shift mindsets, build skills, and support programs in building father-friendly practices. 

Whether he’s talking about his own parenting or reflecting on the broader systemic barriers fathers face, Steven’s message is clear: “When we include fathers, we strengthen families.” 

Listen to the Episode Here

We invite you to listen and reflect on how your work can create more space for fathers.

We hope these stories help illustrate the real, lasting impact of investing in prevention and in fathers. 

At the Children’s Trust, we are proud to be part of this work and to support programs like the Hampshire Country Jail and House of Corrections. And we’re proud to partner with professionals across the state who believe, as we do, that family wellbeing includes engaged fathers.