KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister in the Ministry of National Security Rudyard Spencer is advocating for the retention of family connections through family visitation to assist with the reduction of inmates re-offending.

The state minister was speaking on the ongoing activities in the Departmental Correctional Services (DCS) geared towards fostering family ties in recognition of International Children’s Day and the Global Day of Parents celebrated last week.

Spencer pointed to research, which found that family visits led to reduced re-offending.

“A study done in 2008 found that of 7000 ex-inmates, 30.7 per cent who maintained productive connections had a lower odd of re-offending than those who did not.  

“We must take the necessary steps to address the gaps created when the breadwinner is removed and to allow them to maintain contact with their families to ease the challenges of reintegration, when that time comes,” he noted.

The DCS has implemented several activities to support connection between inmates/wards and their loved ones such as family days, weekly visits, parenting workshops, sports day and encouragement of letter writing.

Last year, the DCS also piloted a Skype initiative for inmates to keep in touch with their loved ones overseas.

Vivian Taylor, Acting Inmate Welfare Coordinator, said that the role of the family cannot be underestimated as research has suggested that healthy family relationship is a very strong and consistent predictor of successful resettlement after custody leading to a reduction in the rate of recidivism.

He noted that there is always room for improvement; however, he believes that the DCS is doing a good job in encouraging and supporting family visits.

Families are allowed to visit inmates at Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre (TSACC), St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre (St CACC), and Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre (FAACC) from Mondays to Fridays.