HI HCR17

Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety, is requested to work with the Family Reunification Working Group and community stakeholders to develop a plan for child and family-friendly visitation centers at all state correctional facilities and jails during the 2018 legislative interim.

Visitation centers aim to strengthen parent-child relationships between incarcerated parents and their children to improve child wellbeing and reduce intergenerational incarceration rates.

Current prison visitation conditions, including long waits, body frisks, and crowded visiting rooms, discourage frequent family visits despite research showing family contact reduces recidivism and parole violations.

Department of Human Services must submit progress reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the start of the 2019 and 2020 regular sessions, including findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation.

Resolution recognizes parental incarceration as an adverse childhood experience associated with behavioral problems, mental health issues, school failure, and unemployment in children.