Attachment and bonding are centerpieces of the work of the Service Network for Children of Inmates.  The Network designed special quarterly bonding visits between children and their incarcerated parents in collaboration with the Florida Department of Corrections and the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  The purpose of the visits are to create positive moments by creating a child-focused atmosphere to the greatest extent possible.

Currently, the Network coordinates visits to Broward, Dade, Homestead, Lowell, Marion and Okeechobee  Correctional Institutions and to selected Miami-Dade facilities.    The visits include an outreach to inmates to identify children, outreach to caregivers and children to determine interest in participating, parenting tidbits session with inmates and caregivers, a 2-3 hour visit at the facility, an destress afterevent and appropriate follow-up care coordination.

The visits typically begin with hugs, tears and sometimes with a cautious handshake.  The Network uses play therapy, arts and crafts time, reading and mealtime to support bonding efforts.  The pictures below highlight some of the moments of these trips.