NCJ Number
196741
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 67-83
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article contains a descriptive analysis of visitation at a maximum security prison for women.
Abstract
The study examined visitation data on 222 women. During their incarceration, 79 percent of the women received at least one visit from a friend or family member. The major impediment to visitation was the distance that they, especially children, had to travel to reach the prison. The study concludes that visitation and the separation when visits are terminated can be harrowing for women inmates. Nonetheless, visitation can help foster prison adjustment and lead to better social adjustment after prison. The study suggests that correctional administrators work with community volunteers, church groups, and other civic organizations to arrange transportation for families. Other issues that require additional study include: (1) the effects of visitation on reunification between inmates and their family members, especially their children; (2) the effect of visitation on recidivism; and (3) whether inmates feel that visitation with families and friends helps them cope with the pains of imprisonment. Tables, references