Rhode Island Program Fosters Family Relationships

CRANSTON, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Corrections expanded its parent-child visitation program to include the 1,066-bed John J. Moran Medium-Security Facility.

The weekly visitation program is designed to help inmates transition back to their family and community by providing offenders and their children with the opportunity to maintain positive relationships during incarceration.

“Promoting positive relationships is one of the key factors in preparing inmates for successful reentry to their communities,” says Ashbel T. Wall II, corrections director. “We know that offenders who leave our custody with a place to live, a job and strong family ties have a much higher likelihood of staying out.”

Already in place at the 360-bed Donald Price Medium-Security Facility and the department’s 710-bed Minimum-Security Facility in Cranston, the program provides a safe, child-friendly environment where parents and children can get down on the floor and play with a selection of donated toys.

“It has made a huge difference in my connection with my sons,” says Richard Cote, a Moran inmate and father of two boys. “This will definitely help me reintegrate with my family and resume my role as a husband and father when I’m released.”

The restricted environment of normal visiting sessions often proves difficult for young children. Cote’s boys would often get restless and frustrated.

“Now, it’s the highlight of their week,” Cote says.