NCJ Number
141495
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Volume: 2 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 14-15
Date Published
1991
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Alameda County's (California) program, Teaching and Loving Kids (TALK), consists of parenting classes and contact visits between incarcerated mothers and their children.
Abstract
The parenting class curriculum addresses the incarcerated parent and the special problems of their children. It is designed to rid the children of the guilt often found in children of incarcerated parents and to strengthen or begin the bond between mother and child. The visitation portion of the program implements what is taught in the parenting classes. It provides time for the children to have quality time with their mothers. During these times, the jail gymnasium is transformed into a nursery room/playground setting for children from birth to 12 years old. As a result of the program, the inmates have improved their behavior in the jail to avoid disciplinary problems that would keep them from attending the classes and visiting with their children. The children's caregivers have reported that the children are less nervous at home after visiting their mothers, and their behavior has improved. Inmates have shown a genuine interest in their children, some for the first time. There have also been positive changes in the attitudes of some of the children toward the jail deputies. The National Association of Counties awarded the program its 1991 Achievement Award.