NCJ Number
181352
Journal
Corrections Alert Volume: 6 Issue: 17 Dated: November 29, 1999 Pages: 1-3
Editor(s)
Jeannine Mjoseth
Date Published
1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes parenting programs for inmates in Colorado, Alabama, and Virginia and suggests steps for designing an effective inmate parenting program.
Abstract
In Colorado, the Department of Corrections received legislative funding several years ago that allowed it to include parenting time initiatives as part of the building expansion of the Denver Women's Correctional Facility. This expansion will include the building of a few apartment units on prison property where inmates' children can stay with their mothers for extended overnight visits. The managers of this program suggest the following steps in designing an inmate parenting program: devise a simple plan and work with State legislators on long-range goals; consider providing separate quarters for parent-child visits on-site; establish education as a key component of any parenting time program; and develop complementary vocational rehabilitation initiatives. In Alabama, a special committee of the Alabama Family Rights Association (AFRA) is helping promote the father-child bonds of male inmates. AFRA intends to work with prison systems in the State to prevent the breakdown of family bonds. In addition to extending family visitation for inmates, parenting education programs for inmates would be established. The Brunswick Correctional Center in Lawrenceville, Va., implemented extended family visitation programs in 1982. It involves a 1-hour instructional program for all guardians who bring children to visit inmate fathers; separate facilities for extended visits of several hours within the prison; day rooms equipped with televisions, VCRs, and learning materials so inmate parents can work with their children on homework; indirect supervision to help maintain privacy; and full payment of hotel and transportation costs for visitors.