NCJ Number
91005
Date Published
1981
Length
23 pages
Annotation
After examining State family visitation programs (conjugal visits) in Minnesota, New York, and California, the Federal Prison Service Task Force recommends that such a program should not replace nor supplement the home furlough program in Federal correctional facilities.
Abstract
The task force was not impressed with any of the three State family visitation programs. Although the term 'family' was applied to the programs, the program emphasis in all of the States was upon the sexual aspect of the marital relationship. It was not merely one aspect of a battery of inmate family services designed to improve and sustain marriages and family relationships for inmates. Some public officials preferred the family visitation programs in lieu of home furlough programs because of the control problems posed by the home furlough, although the home furloughs provide a more normal context for family interactions. Staff and inmates in the States emphasize the good that the program does for many inmates nearing release. Yet, the offenders who reportedly need the program the most (long-term offenders) participate less frequently because of the higher demand by that group, and they are much more likely to abuse the privilege. In the opinion of the task force, the shorter term offender who is eligible for home furloughs in the Federal system does not need the family visitation program. A family visitation program for longer term offenders is suggested by the task force on an experimental basis, using evaluation to determine if any positive benefits accrue. It is also suggested that, if feasible, a similar experimental program be attempted for female offenders. Twenty-seven listings of representative literature are provided.