NCJ Number
46070
Journal
Social Work Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: (MARCH 1978) Pages: 143-148
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF FAMILIES OF MALE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY INMATES ARE EXAMINED IN A STUDY OF THE CALIFORNIA PRISON SYSTEM IN SOLANO COUNTY; RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR THEIR ALLEVIATION.
Abstract
A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE INDICATES THAT AS A RESULT OF STIGMATIZATION, SOCIAL ISOLATION, FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, AND PARENTING DIFFICULTIES THE WIVES AND CHILDREN OF INMATES ARE ALSO VICTIMS OF CRIME. THE ABSENCE OF IMPRISONED FATHER FROM THE HOME AND THE LOSS OF HIS EARNINGS USUALLY RESULTS IN FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR THE FAMILY AND NECESSITATES THE WIFE'S WORKING. OFTEN ADEQUATE DAY CARE IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE INMATE'S FAMILY MAY FIND ITSELF OSTRACIZED BY THE COMMUNITY, WHICH, COUPLED WITH THE LACK OF A MALE AUTHORITY FIGURE IN THE HOME, MAY LEAD TO MALADJUSTMENT IN THE CHILDREN. SINCE PRISON FACILITIES ARE OFTEN LOCATED AWAY FROM POPULATION CENTERS, THE BREAKING OF FAMILY TIES OCCASIONED BY THE IMPRISONMENT ITSELF IS EXACERBATED BECAUSE OF THE FINANCIAL BURDEN INVOLVED IN VISITATION. IN SOLANO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, WHEN A MAN IS ARRESTED HE IS ALLOWED TWO PHONE CALLS, ONE OF WHICH MAY BE TO HIS WIFE. ARRAIGNMENT MUST BE HELD WITHIN 24 HOURS. WHEN NECESSARY, A PUBLIC DEFENDER WILL BE ASSIGNED WHO MAY CONTACT THE FAMILY FOR AID IN INVESTIGATING THE CASE. HE MAY ALSO AT THIS TIME REFER THE FAMILY TO THE WELFARE OR MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS. FOLLOWING THE HUSBAND'S ARREST THE WIFE MAY VISIT HIM ON ONLY, 2 DAYS PER WEEK. IF THE WIFE IS OBVIOUSLY DISTRAUGHT OR ANGRY DURING THE VISIT THE JAIL STAFF MAY REFER HER TO CRISIS CLINIC, WELFARE, OR SOCIAL SERVICES. SENTENCING USUALLY TAKES PLACE WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF CONVICTION. FOLLOWING SENTENCING, THE PRISONER IS SENT TO THE RECEPTION GUIDANCE CENTER (RGC) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND HISTORY-TAKING. VISITS AND CALLS ARE LIMITED AND MONITORED. ALTHOUGH THE CALIFORNIA MEDICAL FACILITY (CMF) PROVIDES FAMILY THERAPY, STAFF IS LIMITED AND DEMAND IS HIGH. FRIENDS OUTSIDE AND VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OFFER ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO FAMILIES OF INMATES IN THE AREA. AN OPEN-ENDED INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH SEVEN INMATES' WIVES INDICATED THAT LITTLE OR NO SUPPORT OR AID WAS OFFERED BY PROBATION OFFICERS FOLLOWING THE ARREST. MOST DID NOT TELL FRIENDS OR CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR HUSBAND'S ARREST. FINANCIAL AND HOUSING PROBLEMS PRESENTED THE MOST DIFFICULTIES, AND ALL WIVES EXPERIENCED A PERIOD OF STRESS FOLLOWED BY READJUSTMENT. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT SERVICE GAPS AND OVERLAPPING REQUIRE REMEDIATION IF THE NEEDS OF FAMILYS ARE TO BE MET. A COORDINATING AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR NEED ASSESSMENT, PROVISION OF INFORMATION, AND REFERRAL TO OTHER RESOURCES COULD SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUANCE OF PRIVATE AGENCIES WHICH CAN BE MORE FLEXIBLE AND RESPONSIVE IN MEETING CLIENT NEEDS THAN STATE-CONTROLLED AGENCIES IS RECOMMENDED. CORRECTIONS INSTITUTIONS SHOULD, WITHIN REASONABLE SECURITY LIMITS, ALLOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN VISITATION AND CORRESPONDENCE POLICIES. FACILITIES SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE GREATER PRIVACY AND FAMILY ACTIVITY PROGRAMS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE. OVERNIGHT VISITS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND TRANSPORTATION, FOOD, AND SUPPLIES FOR SUCH VISITS SHOULD BE PROVIDED. IN PUNISHING CRIMINALS, SOCIETY IS ALSO PUNISHING THEIR FAMILIES UNFAIRLY. EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THIS INJUSTICE. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (JAP)