NCJ Number
195760
Date Published
2002
Length
14 pages
Annotation
In this chapter, a historical perspective of conjugal visitation programs and the impact of conjugal visits on inmates in the United States prison system are presented.
Abstract
Conjugal visitation programs in the United States correctional system allows inmates and their spouses personal time together on the prison grounds. Conjugal visitation programs have also been used in Latin American and European countries. Conjugal visitation in the United States was said to have begun in the State of Mississippi at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in 1900. By 1999, approximately 350 inmates participated in conjugal visits from both the Penitentiary and the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. Other States with existing conjugal visitation programs are California, New York, Washington, and New Mexico. Since inmates have been participating in conjugal visitation programs, it has been argued that these programs increase family stability, reduce violent behavior, and reduce homosexual behavior. However, conjugal visitation programs have also been criticized on the grounds that they generate negative attitudes on the part of those inmates who are not allowed to participate, conjugal visits increase problems in dealing with drugs and contraband, they receive negative public opinion, and they can increase the spreading of HIV/AIDS. Future research recommendations include determining if conjugal visits indeed increase family stability and reduce violent behavior and homosexual behavior in prison. Seen as having the potential to decrease the amount of consensual and coerced same-sex sexual activity within correctional facilities, correctional administrators must strive to recommend policy changes by adopting or readopting conjugal visitation programs. Lastly, researchers should continue to undertake studies within women’s correctional facilities. References