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Serving families and friends of Incarcerated Loved Ones at RJD
Friends Outside-What They Offer
Friends Outside-Visitor Center Program
Services
Children’s Activities: Childcare is available for children ages of 6-17 years who accompany their caregiver to the institution for visiting. Sometimes children are not able to sustain a lengthy visit or they do not have appropriate identification in order to enter the visiting area. In some cases, children may decide that they do not want to visit after they arrive at the prison. Temporary, short-term childcare is available so that the caregiver can continue their visit. Age-appropriate activities, such as the Write to Me program, and snacks are offered to all children to help reduce anxieties and teach coping skills that will last a lifetime.
Write To Me:
In the state’s prison Visitor Centers, Friends Outside’s Write to Me program encourages children to write letters to their incarcerated parent and thereby support ongoing parent-child contact which helps to relieve the child’s sense of isolation. Age-appropriate writing kits are provided to children, and an experienced Friends Outside caregiver guides them through the letter writing process. The letters may be written at the Visitor Center or the kit can take home to encourage letter writing after a visit to an incarcerated parent. These letters are also highly appreciated by the parents, offering hope and motivation for change.
A sheltered place: Visitors often need a place to rest and renew after a long trip or to prepare them for the trip home after the visit is over. Visitor Centers offer a comfortable, welcoming place of respite. There are restrooms, a place to feed and change babies, and a friendly, non-judgmental staff.
Clothing: Sometimes visitors arrive at the prison dressed inappropriately and not according to the rules for visitor attire. Visitor Centers loan appropriate clothing for the visit. Clothing available includes attire for men, women and children in a wide range of sizes. No shoes or undergarments.
Transportation: Passenger van transportation between the institution and local public transportation terminals is provided for visitors, who may arrive at a transit station located some distance from the prison. Friends Outside drivers both pick up and deliver visitors. Sometimes the ride provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with others experiencing similar situations.
Resources and Information:
There are times when visitors may need directions, information about local restaurants or motels, or public transportation schedules. Families may also be in need of emergency assistance such as shelters, food banks and social services. Friends Outside staff offer support and assistance.
Information regarding visiting rules and regulations: Rules and regulations related to institutions can be confusing and intimidating. Visitor Center staff is available to explain regulations and give suggestions as to how visitors can comply. Visitor Centers are open during regularly scheduled visiting hours and on designated holidays.