Parent-Child Visits in Jails

Abstract

Millions of parent-child visits take place in US correctional facilities annually. Jail visiting areas are stressful environments for children of prisoners. These children are distinguished by a history of enduring trauma, previous parent-child separations and an inadequate quality of care due to poverty. As a result, they are more likely to experience lasting effects of further family separations. Like other children living apart from their parents, they benefit significantly from immediate visitation following separation. A statewide survey of California county jail visiting rooms, where such visits occur, revealed that none are adapted for children. Most parent-child visits in jails take place through clear barriers in monochromatic rooms with steel fixtures and no furnishings or decorations. Modifications are suggested. The lack of adaptation of jail visiting areas for children of prisoners is compared to efforts that have been made to modify public spaces in the interests of other groups of specially vulnerable children.