Family Interrupted Project

I cry, pray, and think about him every single day and my heart breaks for his children. I wish every inmate could and would receive regular visits.

I have a brother that is in prison that has been there for 22 years to this day. We do miss him and need him out here to help strengthen our family. I have visited my brother, I feel good visiting my brother but do not feel good leaving him in the place.

My father has been incarcerated since I can’t even remember. Out of my 21 years going on 22 years of living, I have seen my father once while he was in court when I was 12 years old.

I have a strong mother and since I too am a female I could better relate. But without a father I tried to replace him with different males, because I never had love for my father. So I tried to find it in other men.

I don’t visit him and I feel a need not to.

I enjoy spending time with my nephew, he’s 9 years old now, but there’s always this distant look he gets in his eyes as if he’s lacking a very important figure in his life. His father won’t be out until he turns 12. Just at the end of his true childhood. I just feel really bad for him, his father, and my sister. I visited once, he could not take his eyes off his son. I think he was trying to soak as much of him up in what little time we had. I know he can’t wait to be a father again.

There is no rehabilitation when these men are sent to jail. I understand they are being punished for disobeying the law, but if they have more positive resources available while incarcerated, maybe they would learn something good.

Especially for young offenders, with the right help, their whole lives can change. Also, there should be resources available for when they come home. To help them find a job or learn a trade. Some of these men, just need to feel like they have a purpose and that they are useful… worthy of having a life. Personally I think employment and education would be a huge positive influence in most of these men’s lives. It could truly change the path that they are on.

I visit to spend time with my loved one. It helps him to get through the months of being here and makes me happy just to see his face and be able to touch him.

My sons are incarcerated. I’m worried, sometimes anxious, having to help provide for their children and find ways to keep them connected.

If you are parents you cannot afford to go to jail. I work two jobs to support my family and put myself through grad school to give my kids a better life. Why can’t these men make better choices?

Most of them were on drugs or alcohol. They should have thought first. They knew it was wrong.

I have a son who is incarcerated, a wonderful son, the son of my later years who grew up with two brothers (who had little time for him) and he found his own rather questionable friends. I visit him once or twice a month, write, and talk on the phone. Why? Because he’s my son, whom I love always.

Incarcerated family members are still family. Why would one stop visiting the family member because of his or her misfortune?

It really upsets me, I feel that our black men are set up for failure. More money is invested in jails than our children’s education. At the time of my husband’s arrest, he was the only one working. I was laid off from my job. I had to relocate my family and move back in with my mother. My daughter had to change schools in her last year of high school. I visit my husband every chance I get. It is very important to keep our family together.

I love my brother and I visit him to keep his mind off of the prison for a little while, and to keep him updated on his baby girl.

I am unable to fully provide the love and care to my children that they need from their father. I believe in the family unit. We are family, and together we will overcome any and all struggles.

My partner of 7 years was incarcerated for 10 months. It caused me to become homeless for two months. Also, (it caused) depression, anxiety and anger. (I have visited) because it helps us both emotionally, also its a religious obligation for me as a Jew.

I am very much in favor of forensic diversion (only violent & repeat offenders go to prison, not drug addicts, not mentally ill) -Joseph

My son, whom after Katrina happened got out of control and left high school, and finally was arrested in New Orleans. I wrote to him 3 times a week and pray. He is off drugs in there and getting his G.E.D., so I guess it could have been worse. (I would visit him) but he’s in New Orleans and I’m here and cant get there. At least he is not at Angola. Black males are screwed in Louisiana. – Chancey

I have to struggle to keep my kids maintained, try to keep money on commissary, make sure we eat, and they have school in order… all by myself. -Anon