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| Virtual Visitation Services for Wisconsin Prison System |
| By nicic.org |
| Published: 10/28/2009 |
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Wisconsin has 72 counties and 81 jail facilities with a combined rated capacity of 17,678. The Department of Corrections (DOC) managed 23,743 inmates in 2007. The Division of Community Corrections supervised 53,230 probationers and 16,986 parolees in 2007. (www.nicic.org/Features/StateStats/Wisconsin) How many children does this represent, and what is the damage done to their lives? This question was tackled as well as the exploration of many life experiences of children with incarcerated parents, in a report published by, The Justice Center-The Council of State Governments. The report also includes various state efforts that have been implemented. Issues of Children with Incarcerated Parents “Between 1991 and 2007,the number of children with incarcerated parents increased 80% to more than 1.7 million minor children” (Glaze and Marschak, Parents in Prison and their Minor Children). “Children of incarcerated parents are more likely to live with caregivers who abuse drugs, have mental health problems, experience extreme poverty, experience sexual and/or physical abuse and are subject to multiple changes in residences and caregivers” (Phillips et. Al., Differences among children whose mothers have a history of arrest). So, who are these “invisible” children? Little is known about who these children are, their specific needs, or how effectively existing programs address those needs. Currently, in Wisconsin, there is NOT one single agency responsible for tracking the needs and whereabouts of these “invisible” children. What can I do to help? A recommendation in the report states “Encourage the development of policy standards at the local or state level…to identify the strategies to improve visitation strategies to improve visitation settings without compromising safety” (Justice Center, 2009). And that’s exactly what Tiffany C. Keogh has done by authoring the “Keogh Re-entry Amendment”, with the goal of amending WI Act 174 that mandates the current electronic communication law. Statement from Tiffany C. Keogh, Author of “Keogh Re-entry Amendment “WI Act 174 is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t mandate the use of virtual visitation for the “invisible” children that need it the most. I wish this program was available for me to “see” my father for the 15 years he was locked up, and I hope it will be available soon, so my son will be able to “see” his father, whose anticipated release date is 10/24/2010”. “It is my hope that this amendment will pass legislature so virtual visitation services will be mandated for all minor children with an incarcerated parent, within 72 hours after arrest. That is, of course, if it’s in the child’s best interest.” “I think this service is necessary for children and it will help maintain family connections which are so critical for successful re-entry in the community. It also provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive collect-calls and hundred mile prison visits.” If you would like to support the “Keogh Re-entry Amendment”, please e-mail Tiffany C. Keogh at keoghassociates@yahoo.com , for a copy of the proposed Amendment. If you include your mailing address, I will also send information about your local legislative contact if you would like to voice your support for this bill. |
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