Programs and Services
During FY 2010-2011, Friends Outside provided services to 145,307 adult and child visitors in California prisons.
Programs and Services
Visitor Center Program
About
Friends Outside provides services and support to visitors at each
California State Prison. Funded by the California Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation under a legislative mandate, the
primary purpose of the Visitor Centers is to remove barriers to
visiting in order to encourage visits and thereby support family and
community unification.
Visits provide a way for a
family to stay connected. Incarcerated parents have the opportunity
to support the parent/child relationship and children have that important contact with Mom or Dad. Visitor
Centers are located outside the prison walls, but on prison grounds,
and usually adjacent to the visitor parking lots. Visitor Centers
provide childcare, transportation, information and resources, and a
restful and welcoming place to stop for a moment before and after
visits.
Services
Children’s Activities: Childcare
is available for children ages of 6-17 years who accompany their
caregiver to the institution for visiting. Sometimes children are
not able to sustain a lengthy visit or they do not have appropriate
identification in order to enter the visiting area. In some cases,
children may decide that they do not want to visit after they arrive
at the prison. Temporary, short-term childcare is available so that
the caregiver can continue their visit. Age-appropriate activities,
such as the Write to Me program,
and snacks are offered to all children to help reduce anxieties and
teach coping skills that will last a lifetime.
A sheltered place: Visitors
often need a place to rest and renew after a long trip or to prepare
themselves for the trip home after the visit is over. Visitor
Centers offer a comfortable, welcoming place of respite. There are
restrooms, a place to feed and change babies, and a friendly,
non-judgmental staff.
Clothing: Sometimes
visitors arrive at the prison dressed inappropriately and not
according to the rules for visitor attire. Visitor Centers loan
appropriate clothing for the visit. Clothing available includes
attire for men, women and children in a wide range of sizes.
Transportation: Passenger
van transportation between the institution and local public
transportation terminals is provided for visitors.
Resources and Information: Sometimes
visitors need directions, information about local restaurants or
motels, or public transportation schedules. Information is available
regarding local business and services, including emergency
assistance.
Information regarding visiting rules and
regulations: Rules
and regulations related to prisons can be confusing.