Shifting Culture and Reuniting FamiliesThere are many factors that contribute to an individual’s recovery and success after incarceration. Re-building and maintaining strong family bonds are just one element that can make all the difference. When an individual goes to prison, it not only impacts themselves but their family and children. Then you throw COVID into the mix… Due to restrictions and preventative measures, the South IdahoCorrectional Institution has not allowed minor children to visit for 2 ½ years. In September 2022, SICI hosted a carnival event proposed by Officer Brock Woodside. When he The concept for the carnival was created by an Officer who put his ideas together and submitted a proposal to the SICI management team. The SICI management team thought the idea of a carnival event was a good way to welcome minor children back into visiting after 2 ½ years of visiting restrictions. The basis of the event revolved around family reunification and shifting the correctional culture between staff and residents. The officer’s proposal was approved under the condition that he help lead the planning and coordination of the event. The officer had very limited experience of this nature so he was guided and provided support by several members of the management team. The planning efforts began with bringing staff and an identified group of residents together. In a joint effort, these staff and residents coordinated all of the details of the event. Both inexperienced staff and residents were given opportunities to develop and implement leadership skills throughout the duration of the planning and during the event. The event was funded by Vocational Work Projects revenue funds and community donations. The following activities were coordinated for the event:
The event actually took place over a period of 4 days, with each unit at SICI having their own designated day. During the event residents were grateful to be physically reunited with their children. The staff involved immediately saw the positive impact on the residents and their families and children. Here are some of the highlights that staff witnessed:
There were many more memories made by the residents and their families. In the long run, the management team hopes events like this will help “humanize” our incarcerated population for our staff. We want our staff to come together with our residents to break down traditional and stereotypical correctional culture and establish a more cohesive and positive culture for staff to work and residents to live. We want our staff to be empowered to bring positive change in our agency and facility culture shift. |