NCJ Number
126123
Date Published
1989
Length
41 pages
Annotation
Because prison visitation is a unique and emotionally charged experience for everyone involved, guidelines are presented to facilitate the visitation process.
Abstract
The guidelines address four basic elements of prison visitation: prison environment and the visiting experience; effects of the environment and experience on relationships; importance of visits to inmates and loved ones; and existence of special problems. Important issues in successful prison visits relate to basic visitation rules, special visits, contact visits, visits with special inmate groups, visits by children, contraband and sexual contact, communication with the prison system, avoiding mental and emotional traps, preparing for a visit, behavior during a visit, recovery following a visit, and followup after a visit. By its very nature, a prison is an unnatural environment. Emotional pain and despair frequently overwhelm both inmates and those who choose to support them. Visits provide an important opportunity to offer and receive direct personal support and reassurance that cannot be achieved in any other way. Visits represent a lifeline of hope for prison inmates. Visitors can let inmates know that someone cares and influence their ability to stay in touch with positive values needed for a constructive life in the free world. Policies and procedures on inmate visitation and facilities of the Texas Department of Corrections are noted.