NCJ Number
111261
Date Published
1985
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A 1985 survey of 35 family/conjugal visit programs in five States indicates their benefit for both correctional management and inmates; and they have been relatively inexpensive and troublefree.
Abstract
Twenty-eight of the 35 programs responded. All respondents considered family/conjugal visit programs to be valuable, cost-effective inmate management tools. There have been few problems with program participants, and a number of benefits to the parent institutions and program participants were reported. Program participation was available to both married and unmarried inmates. Only special-custody and problematic inmates were denied participation. Most programs were housed in fully equipped mobile homes located within the security fence of the parent institution. Some respondents reported the use of permanent structures or a mix of mobile homes and permanent structures as program resources. Most programs were developed and operated with State funds, but two programs reported Federal grant support for program development, and a few programs were developed and operated with donations and inmate welfare funds. The Montana Department of Institutions has concluded that family/conjugal visit programs would be a valuable addition to the Montana correctional system, but for various reasons their development and operation has not been proposed in the budget. Appended survey instrument, 5 tables, and list of respondents.