NCJ Number
109320
Date Published
1987
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This booklet for children recounts how a mother prepares her children to visit their father in prison and the children's experiences in entering the prison and visting their father.
Abstract
The mother's conversations with the children prior to the visit help them understand why their father is in prison, that it does not make him a 'bad' person, and that he needs their caring and visits to alleviate the sadness and loneliness of prison life. The mother also explains the mechanics of visiting their father and allays the children's fear that they might be kept in prison because they are the children of a 'bad' man. The explanation includes what their father will be wearing, any restraints on the visit, and the setting for the visit. The booklet describes what the children see and hear as they approach and enter the prison, including the high wire perimeter fence, the gate house and the guard, the waiting room, and the sound of clanging doors. The children's conversation with their father pertains to what the children are doing, their help around the house, their school, what their father eats in prison, and how much he misses them. The booklet concludes with the children talking about their visit to the 'big house' on their way home in the car. A learning guide suggests activities to accompany the reading of the book. List of resources and referrals.