HI HCR205

Requests the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety, to develop a plan for establishing child-friendly and family-friendly visitation centers at all state correctional facilities and jails.

Directs the Department of Human Services to work with the Family Reunification Working Group and community stakeholders during the interim following the 2019 regular session.

Requires the Department of Human Services to submit reports to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 and 2021 regular sessions on visitation center status, findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation.

Mandates the reports include assessments of current child accommodations in prison and jail visitation areas and recommendations to address specific issues.

Recognizes that parental incarceration negatively impacts children and that maintaining family relationships is linked to lower recidivism rates and post-release success.