NCJ Number
146542
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 322-329
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the needs of inmates and their families occasioned by incarceration in British prisons and discusses the importance of providing structures and activities that help inmates and their families to maintain contact with one another.
Abstract
The adverse effects of prison on inmate families can be grouped under three categories. First, there are the immediate problems of separation. Second, there are the difficulties that arise during incarceration. Third, there are the problems that arise after the inmate's release. Difficulties for inmates' families during the incarceration include dealing with the stigma, coping with the absence of the family member, maintaining contact with the inmate, and addressing financial problems. Society and corrections officials have a stake in the maintenance of inmate family ties. Inmates who do not preserve family ties during incarceration are more likely to lack motivation for rehabilitation within prison and after release. Families that do not maintain contact with members in prison are likely to have more long-term and costly difficulties. The English prison system needs to improve its mechanisms for facilitating the maintenance of inmate family ties. Some of the needs are better visiting facilities, more family visits, the housing of inmates in facilities close to their homes, improved furlough systems, and the appointment of a liaison officer at each prison to work with inmate families and support groups. 2 notes and 25 references