NCJ Number
123245
Journal
Family and Corrections Network News Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 1,6-8
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Since various studies show the value of inmate bonding with law-abiding spouses in reducing recidivism, prisons and jails should expand opportunities for inmate leisure activities with their families.
Abstract
Family visits should be frequent (no less than once a week), not limited to a certain time in the week, and provide for an amount of time that is both flexible and adequate. Prisons located in remote areas should provide transportation for family members to facilitate visits. Leisure activities for families during visits could include attendance at religious programs, eating together, fellowship and sharing, passive and active recreational activities, and marital activities. In the latter case, States that permit conjugal visits report improved behavior of inmates both while in prison and after release. Cottages or mobile homes are typically provided for conjugal visits. Regular home visits can be provided for appropriate inmates. Fellowship or conversational visiting might be facilitated in maximum-security prisons by allowing families to visit face to face and without close supervision. This has proven satisfactory in many prisons, usually accompanied by a search of visiting family members. 12 references.