This weeks column focuses on what to do if a loved one is dying in prison. I have provided some resources regarding medical release and grief counseling for families facing this sad situation. If you or someone you know is affected by this issue, the resources included in the video column are:
I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you turned to support groups and how did that help you through this time in your life?
[Use the comments feature below or call (646) 867-1891 to leave an audio message.]
This week’s column focuses on the issue of reunification. Getting reacquainted with a parent can be daunting at any age. Add the pressure and stigma of a reunion post incarceration, and the effects can be overwhelming and particularly stressful. These tips can hopefully start someone facing this situation on the path to a healthy relationship.
I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you turned to support groups and how did that help you through this time in your life?
[Use the comments feature below or call (646) 867-1891 to leave an audio message.]
[Update: We have received such a large quantity of applications from people of various backgrounds. We are going through them and will try to get in touch with people shortly. Thank you for sharing your lives and for your interest in helping this publication.]
Have you had a family member spend time in prison?
Family Life Behind Bars is seeking two columnists who can produce a twice-monthly video about his or her experience and provide guidance for others in a similar situation.
No prior video experience or equipment is required. The videos would be about 2-3 minutes long. This part time position will not be sufficient to support yourself, but will provide a little extra spending money.
To apply for this position, please send a short email to info@livesinfocus.org describing your personal experience and how it affected your life. Also let me know what ideas you have for a column.
Trinity, a member of the Family Life Behind Bars community, posed this question:
My mother was just sentenced to 3-9 years for second degree grand larceny. I am a mom of two teenagers. Life seems so unfair. The pain and worry are almost to much to bare. I am wondering if anyone knows if there is any other way to get money on a commisary account other then by mail or dropping it off? Are there any support groups for families of the prisoners? What services are available to inmates? Is there a website for Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
I decided to answer those questions this week in my monthly video column:
Click on the player above or download this video here. (iPhone version)
If you are a child of someone who is incarcerated and you have a question for me, you have three options:
I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you turned to support groups and how did that help you through this time in your life?
[Use the comments feature below or call (646) 867-1891 to leave an audio message.]
Davian Reynolds, our 16-year-old video columnist from Brooklyn, NY describes how he dealt with the separation from his mother during holiday season while she was in prison.
Family Life Behind Bars previously interviewed Dr. Harland Kessaris, a psychologist who specializes in re-entry of incarcerated individuals back into family and society, who provided some insight on how to cope with the absence of a loved one during the holiday season.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: What tips do you have to deal with separation during the holiday seasons?
[Use the comments feature below or call (646) 867-1891 to leave an audio message.]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
In this audio column, Emani Davis, the director of Project Family Connect and the daughter of an incarcerated man, talks about her father’s declining health and the threat of losing him after 24 years spent waiting for his release.
If you are someone who has a family member who is incarcerated and you have a question for me, you have three options:
I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.
In this video column, Davian Reynolds, our 16-year-old video columnist from Brooklyn, reflects on why Barack Obama’s victory in the 2008 presidential election means so much for kids like him who have or have had or might wind up having a parent who is incarcerated. (more…)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
In this video column, Emani Davis, the director of Project Family Connect and the daughter of an incarcerated man, talks about the stigma that she experienced as the child of an incarcerated parent and her desire to address the specific needs of this group.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: How has having an incarcerated parent affected the way you see yourself?
[Use the comments feature below or call (646)-867-1891 to leave an audio message.]
I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.
