Families of Prisoners

"Often, there are communication gaps between corrections agencies and child welfare providers.

"Often, there are communication gaps between corrections agencies and child welfare providers.

Cases responded to and closed during the reporting period January - June 2023 were 485

This webinar will present an overview of current and best practices, challenges, and solutions for strengthening family interactions during virtual visits. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections will discuss their program, which displays a strong virtual component for family visits and interaction. The webinar will preview the forthcoming CSG Justice Center publication “Strengthening and Maintaining Family Connections: Best Practices for Child-Friendly Video Visiting.”

CSG Justice Center and OJJDP conducted a site visit with the FY20 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The site visit was conducted to learn onsite about all aspect of the program, including parenting program, virtual reality visiting program, community support services, and evaluation. During the first day of the site visit, meetings were held at the PADOC headquarters with the Acting Secretary, Dr. Laurel Harry, Project Director, Point of Contacts, and Authorized Representatives. Program goals and objectives were reviewed.

TA coach and grantee met for monthly call in person. Grantee facilitated a tour of the facility, with special attention to the visiting spaces for families. TA coach and grantee discussed visit room redesign, and TA coach provided feedback on best practices and policies.

CSG Justice Center staff conducted a  site visit with the FY20 Minnesota Department of Health.

The impacts of jail extend far beyond the people who are incarcerated, having direct consequences for families. From general stress and anxiety, to lost income and support, to concerns about reunification and recidivism, countless families confront the associated burdens of incarceration each year in the United States.

Provided feedback on a prospective policy change with regard to LGBTQ housing.
Phone/email support when requested.

Virtual meeting to touch base with PRC Partners, do some strategic planning for key stakeholder communications and outreach. Also, identify with partners the most important messages for the field and the means of communicating them as we seek to reignite commitment to sexual safety in confinement during PREA's 20th anniversary year.