NCJ Number
208280
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2004 Pages: 128-130,132
Date Published
December 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and operations of the Family Connections Center (FCC) playroom for supervised visits between inmates and their children.
Abstract
Developed in 1999 as a partnership between New Hampshire’s Department of Corrections and the University of New Hampshire Department of Family Studies, the FCC is a family resource center located at the Lakes Region Facility which houses minimum- and medium-security prisoners. FCC offers numerous programs including parenting classes, parenting support groups, education seminars, and supervised visitation for incarcerated parents. The supervised visitation playroom is available only for incarcerated parents who have voluntarily completed the parenting education program, attending at least four sessions of a parenting support group, and continue to participate in the support group. The playroom itself offers a warm, child-friendly atmosphere with murals on the walls and children’s toys on the shelves. A one-way mirror facilitates supervision and parenting critiques. Following the 2-hour visitation sessions, staff members meet with parents to discuss positive parenting skills that were demonstrated during the session, as well as skills that still need improvement. Visitation sessions can be stopped at any time by a staff member if a child’s safety or security is jeopardized. FCC provides an innovative example of how collaborations between community agencies and correctional agencies can benefit inmates, their families, and the community. 6 Endnotes