Jail program aims to help inmates become better dads

MADISONVILLE, Ky. - A new program at a western Kentucky jail is aiming to make inmates better fathers.

Hopkins County Jailer Joe Blue said he hopes the Christian-based Malachi Dads program makes the inmates better men, too. The jail is one of the first county detention facilities in the state to offer the program, according to The Messenger of Madisonville.

Inmate William Bartlett said he enrolled in the program to enjoy more time away from his jail cell, but he said he is making changes after going through just 16 weeks of the 42-week program, which is focused on helping inmates build a relationship with their children and becoming a good example to them.

Bartlett told the newspaper he has seen an improvement in how he communicates not only with his kids, but with his wife and sister.

He said his marriage was on the brink of failure when he was incarcerated, but since he began the program divorce proceedings have been delayed to see if things can be worked out.

The name of the program comes from biblical scripture.