Valentines Day
A comprehensive study published by Prison Policy Initiative reveals that regular family contact for the incarcerated leads to significant reductions in both in-custody misconduct and recidivism after the person’s release.
The report, “Research Roundup: The Positive Impacts Of Family Contact For Incarcerated People And Their Families,” joins a growing body of evidence on the value of family contact for incarcerated individuals. The author, Leah Wang, compiled data from more than two dozen sources — some going as far back as the 1970s — demonstrating the positive effects of regular contact between the incarcerated and their loved ones.
The data reveals that maintaining frequent contact with family resulted in a 43% lower likelihood of reoffending within the first year of release, compared to those with little to no family contact. Furthermore, recidivism was shown to continue dropping as frequency of contact increased and those with continuous family support were two-thirds more likely to secure stable employment upon reentry.
In-person visiting was also shown to lessen the risk of mental health and substance use problems among children of the incarcerated who had regular contact with their parent.
The study also underscores the pivotal role of technology on facilitating family contact. Thanks to advancements such as video visitation and electronic messaging system, incarcerated individuals can now engage wit their loved ones more regularly, bridging the emotional and psychological divide caused by physical separation.
While shedding light on the positive impact of family contact, the report also highlights the challenges faced by inmates and their families, including the financial cost of contact visits. Addressing these barriers and promoting affordable and equitable communication options remain key to ensuring the well-being and successful rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals.
The findings of this study have ignited discussions among policymakers, prison administrators and advocacy groups, spurring the development of policies and programs that prioritize and facilitate family contact to enhance the prospect of successful reintegration into society.
As our society grapples with criminal justice reform, understanding the transformative power of family contact can inform effective policies that promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism rates and foster stronger, more supportive communities.
