Many issues that are primary drivers of mass incarceration cannot be remedied through government solutions alone. Issues such as broken families and mental health, both forever altered by over criminalization, cannot be simply be repaired through legislation. Civil Society has the unique capability to address certain social issues that government cannot, or to address them more effectively than government can. This section also addresses issues in which over-policing attempts to fix issues that should be handled through the community.
“Research has found that when children and incarcerated fathers can spend time in the same room, physically interacting, it can help sustain parent-child bonds. Clearly, addressing the “saturation of disadvantages” — from poverty and dangerous neighborhoods to poor schools and access to health care — is critical for these children.“
Yahoo Lifestyle
October 28, 2019
Read More““Between Thanksgiving and Christmas it was palpable,’ Randall said. ‘You’d just see people start to circle the drain because they felt really incapacitated. They couldn’t buy gifts. They can’t be home. They know their kids are waking up Christmas morning or, you know, Hanukkah, and there’s nobody buying them presents.’ So Randall had an idea: She sent out a few email messages to her friends and family, and asked them to sponsor an inmate’s child or two and purchase a present for them’.“
Vermont Public Radio
December 14, 2018
Read More“Cyphert said it was crucial to keep in mind that despite committing no crime, children of the incarcerated face deteriorating physical and psychological health, and problems at school, which are reflected in high rates of asthma, obesity, depression and anxiety.“
The Crime Report
November 14, 2018
Read More“While most women admitted to jails are accused of minor crimes, the consequences of pretrial incarceration can be devastating. This report finds that jailed mothers often feel an added, and unique, pressure to plead guilty so that they can return home to parent their children and resume their lives. These mothers face difficulties keeping in touch with their children due to restrictive jail visitation policies and costly telephone and video calls.“
Human Rights Watch
September 26, 2018
Read More"The week-long program allows incarcerated fathers to spend each day with their children. They do more than just play games, do arts and crafts and sit down for meals together, though. They throw a party for all the birthdays missed and hold nightly discussions on the pain of having incarcerated loved ones, said Karen McDaniel, executive director of Place4Grace, which organizes Camp Grace."
The Californian
July 31, 2018
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