(BOP) - Maintaining positive relationships between inmates and their families is an important aspect of the Bureau's efforts to reduce recidivism. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates said "assisting inmates in maintaining family relationships while they are in prison is not only good for the individuals returning from prison and their families, it's good for the community as well, because when a person has a strong support system when they are released, they are less likely to re-offend."
To support these efforts, and because many inmates have children under the age of 18, the Bureau is offering a new training course for staff, "Children of Incarcerated Parents." The course highlights current Bureau practices and assists staff in understanding the dynamics of inmates as parents. The training is designed to explain the impact of parental incarceration on children, the benefits of helping inmates to maintain and build healthy relationships with their children, and the initiatives the Bureau has undertaken to ensure these relationships are encouraged.