Jamie's Big Visit: When a Parent Goes to Prison

Jamie's Big Visit: When a Parent Goes to Prison

‘Jamie’s Big Visit’ was written for children between the ages of 3.5 and 8 years old. This text is a tool to enable children to understand grown-up time-out (incarceration), the prison security process, and the need for parents to develop a plan for children to stay connected with the absent parent. Consider this book a guide for having the “big” discussion about a prison visit. You may wish toread once, then go back to review and reinforce or discuss important points with the child. Please visit www.dcprojectconnect.org for more talking points.Children grieve loss in unique ways. Anticipate the child missing the absent parent. Consider letter writing and in-person visitation, if you deem appropriate, to help maintain family bonds and alleviate grief. If the absent parent is located out of state, phone calls and other forms of technology may suffice as a means of communication.If a child’s behavior changes radically as a result of separation, ie. by acting out, seek professional support from a helping professional. It is also important that the non-incarcerated parent or caregiver reinforce to the child that you are not going to leave or abandon him or her. Try to help the child feel secure. Questions about this book may be posed to www.dcprojectconnect.com.