How to Visit a Family Member Who Is Incarcerated

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:VisitFamilyMemberWhoIncarcerated
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How to Visit a Family Member Who Is Incarcerated

Introduction

Visiting a family member who is incarcerated can be difficult, but open communication and support is important for both the inmate and the family at home. Maintaining relationships is critical not only to the inmate facing jail time, but to the loved ones waiting at home. However, there are certain things to be prepared for before planning to visit a family member who is incarcerated.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Prepare Children to Visit an Incarcerated Family Member

Steps

1

Step One

Tell very young children only a day or two before a scheduled visit with an incarcerated family member to minimize anxiety.
2

Step Two

Give older children more time to prepare to visit a family member who is incarcerated, particularly if they have emotional issues to consider, such as grief or anger about the incarceration.
3

Step Three

Prepare children as best you can for how the family member might look (mention prison uniforms and the lack of hairstyling or makeup), who else may be present (armed guards) and the overall physical environment of the facility.

Observe Regulations When Visiting a Family Member Who Is Incarcerated

Steps

1

Step One

Be careful about what you carry when visiting. The most innocent objects could be deemed a weapon or contraband and cause consequences for your incarcerated family member, as well as land you in trouble for introducing prisoner contraband.
2

Step Two

Make sure all adults bring photo ID for each visit to the facility.
3

Step Three

Ask your loved one to provide the appropriate correction officer with a written list of family members they wish to have visitation privileges, including children. If you have an attorney, he or she can help facilitate this request.
4

Step Four

Contact the prison well in advance to find out visiting days hours.
5

Step Five

Contact the prison on the day of your visit to ensure visits are being held that day and your loved one is available to visit with you.

Support Your Incarcerated Family Member

Steps

1

Step One

Assure your loved one that they are entitled to receive counseling and/or drug treatment while incarcerated. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) can help make sure these rights are observed (see Resources below).
2

Step Two

Stress the importance of cooperation with all facility regulations, which can help your family member during the parole or appeal process.
3

Step Three

Keep in contact with your family attorney and communicate to the prisoner any new developments pertaining to his or her case.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Coping with incarceration can be very stressful for the entire family, and have financial consequences as well. Think about joining a support group, or look to your spiritual community for support.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Computer with Internet access
  • Photo ID
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