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Family Resource Center at SCI Graterford

 

The Prison Society strives to break the chain of intergenerational incarceration by encouraging programs that stimulate positive and productive family interactions.

Research shows that inmates who maintain ties with their families during their period of incarceration have lower rates of recidivism than those who do not.

Our Family Resource Centers at SCI-Graterford aim to:

  1. Assist in facilitating positive visits between incarcerated men and their families.
  2. Model appropriate interaction and parenting skills with visiting children.
  3. Increase self-esteem of the participating men as they develop and practice new skills.

The centers are located in the visiting rooms and are open on weekends and one weekday per week, with staff and volunteers providing a range of activities including story-time, educational projects, arts and crafts, letter writing, puzzles and decorating projects. The center staff also lend out books, games and toys for families to enjoy during their visits. Each year, the Family Resource Centers sponsors a year-end holiday party and a summer Family Fun Day.

The Prison Society also maintains and provides resource information and referral services on criminal justice advocacy, programs and services that can benefit inmates and their families. These pamphlets, flyers and booklets are available in both visiting rooms.

The benefits of the program include:

  1. A secure environment in which positive visits between inmates and their children can take place with help from PPS staff and volunteer facilitators.
  2. Improved communication between inmates and their children.
  3. An increase in self-esteem of participating inmates as they develop and practice new skills.
  4. A more stable prison environment as inmates' emotional well-being and motivation to make life changes improves along with their family relationships.
  5. Reduced recidivism among released inmates as a result of stronger and healthier family bonds.
  6. Reduced delinquency among inmates' children as improved relationships with inmate parents increases their children's emotional stability.

Donations of books and games for children aged 4-12 years to help support the Resource Center are appreciated.

Contact:
     Ceciley Bradford
     Program Manager
     215.564.4775 Extension 104