Locked Doors and Glass Walls: Family Visiting at a Local Jail

Utilizing an ecologically grounded loss framework, this study examines the experience of parents and children visiting an imprisoned family member. Current trends emphasizing harsh criminal sanctions for even nonviolent criminal offenders have far-reaching effects on families and children, yet empirical documentation remains scant. Fifty-six parent/caregivers visiting an incarcerated family member during children's visiting hours were interviewed at a local jail in Virginia. Data sources included participants' quantitative and qualitative reports of their visiting experience as well as field notes from three members of the research team responsible for interviewing. Overall, families participating in the study reported the visiting experience at this particular facility to be difficult, with concerns about how the lack of physical contact with the inmate was affecting their children during "no contact" visits. Other issues that emerged within the context of visiting at thejail included various obstacles and barriers connected to the setting and harsh, disrespectful treatment by jail staff. Recommendations for policy and outreach responsive to the needs of families and children are discussed.