Ruby’s four daughters are handling their mom in prison in their own way. It’s a lot of emotions flying around in a household now run solely by Dad. It was a drug addiction that brought her to prison. Can she beat the odds upon release? Her husband is behind her newfound commitment to sobriety and being present for their family. Hopefully, the programs offered in prison will provide her with the life skills necessary for her success.
In Fort Dix, Virginia, eager fathers were given the opportunity to reconnect with their children with a day of laughter, hugs, games, and priceless conversations. For some dads, it was the first time they had met their child. Others shared heartfelt messages with their children—reminding them they are loved and encouraging them to chase their dreams. Many expressed regrets, while expressing a commitment to model fatherhood upon release.
New York State is beginning to address courts placing parents in a prison that is far from their children. This imposes a heavy, often overlooked burden that disrupts family bonds and compounds the trauma of separation. In addition, traveling is cost prohibitive and difficult to coordinate with visitation schedules making regular contact nearly impossible. This undermines any efforts to maintain a meaningful relationships and leaves the child even more emotionally unstable. p
Kennadi’s father, Keith Williams, went into prison on drug charges when she was three years old. He was released in 2019. Kennadi speaks frankly about how she dealt with her father’s absence. She advocates for affected families as well as all formerly incarcerated to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. She hopes to help other children with an incarcerated parent so we can all work to be a better support system for their re-entry.
ABC News highlights a program that enables children to connect with their fathers that are serving time in prison. Regardless of the facts, these kids are ecstatic to bond with their father, even if it is only for a few hours. A big hug from Dad is all they hope for.
This Father’s Day, 46 fathers inside Angola Prison were given something many of them thought they may never experience again: a full day with their sons. 62 boys walked through the gates for a day filled with fishing, football, golf, BBQ, laughter, and memories they will carry for the rest of their lives. For many of the fathers, it was their first time ever holding a fishing rod, learning right alongside their kids. Most importantly, this was a day about restoration and second chances.
