Each of Ruby’s four daughters are handling their mother’s incarceration in their own unique way. Mixed emotions floating throughout a household now run solely by Dad. It was Ruby’s drug addiction that brought her to prison. Can she beat the odds of relapse upon release? Her husband fully supports 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.
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 thrilled for an opportunity to bond with their father, even if it is only for a few hours. A big hug from Dad is plenty for today. Regardless of what they may have heard about their father’s criminal behavior or even things that they witnessed, they love their fathers and miss spending time with him.
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 quality time, reminding them that they love and miss them. Many of the fathers expressed regrets about their past behavior, with a commitment to fatherhood upon their release.
When she was three years old, Kennadi’s father went to prison on drug charges. He was finally released in 2019, but she speaks frankly about growing up in his absence. She advocates for the formerly incarcerated and their families to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. She hopes to help other children with an incarcerated parent be a better support system, so they have a smooth reentry.
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.
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.
