 |
Association on Programs for Female Offenders
|
|
|
PROGRAMS ACA CONFERENCE PROGRAMS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO APFO MEMBERS
|
P.A.C.T. (Parent and Child Together) (A SUCCESS STORY) Debbie Denning, Deputy Director, Division of Women and Family Services, Illinois Department of Correction has sent us very interesting information on a program operating at the Dwight Correctional Center in Illinois. Video conferencing is being used to increase the bond between incarcerated women and their children. The parent and child discuss happenings in the child’s life and work together on learning tasks, such as the alphabet, colors and reading. During this time the mother has the opportunity to talk to her child or children. To participate, the mother must have a good prison conduct record and maintain her parental rights. Participation in the program is a powerful incentive for women to use prison time productively and to prepare for homecoming, when they are to be released. Illinois should be commended for spending the funds required for this helpful program. TEACHER AND STUDENT - FINDING THE BEST IN ONE’S INMATE/STUDENTS At the Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis, a dedicated teacher makes a difference in students’ progress. One would expect that an excellent teacher would bring out the best in her hat Ellen O’Drain, a teacher at IWP does. She recognizes that many inmates have a story to tell. She understands that many offenders have never had the opportunity to have others really listen to them. Her subject is English and she uses that vehicle to give offenders an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings on paper. Ruth Holladay recently wrote an article about this fine teacher, and this editor is indebted to her article in the Indianapolis Star for the information contained herein. Ms. Holladay quotes Ms O’Drain as stating that her students are “unique human beings, each with her portion of human dignity.” The stories that offenders produce are so well written and interesting that Ms O’Drain publishes some of them in a book, every two years, entitled “Thursday Morning Thoughts.” One might ask if the writing effort can help offenders to do better upon release. One thing seems evident; a person who succeeds any where at any task will certainly have an improved self- esteem. Sometimes when a released offender feels depressed or discouraged, she might remember that she had succeeded in some ways, and be able to resist the urge to turn to alcohol or drugs. One can hope so. Thank you, Ms. O’Drain, for your excellent work.
|