( CNN ) -- The daughters came in tights , frilly dresses and patent leather shoes . The dads wore suits and ties . It could have been a scene at almost any school 's father-daughter dance . But it was n't . The fathers at this social event were all inmates in a federal prison , serving time for a variety of offenses . And the dance was designed to motivate them to do better by their families once they get out . `` There is Still Time at the Ball '' was the theme of this inaugural dance for prisoners -- all nonviolent offenders -- and their daughters at the Federal Detention Center in Miami , Florida . `` You are a key to the success of your father , '' Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Charles E. Samuels , Jr. told the daughters , according to a bureau press statement which said `` connections to families and children are critical aspects '' of inmates ' reentry into society . Samuels encouraged the fathers to take an active part in the lives of their daughters , even if seems difficult from behind bars . He urged the men to stay engaged with their children while in prison and use the facility 's self-improvement programs to learn skills and become productive members of the community when they are released .
A Miami federal prison held its first - ever daddy - daughter dance . Offenders and their families dressed up for the event . They hope the dance will help inspire inmates to do better upon release .