It is every child's right to have a relationship with both parents, regardless of their situation. Unfortunately, sometimes one or both parents are incarcerated. This doesn't mean that visitation sessions should be canceled—in fact, they are more important than ever! In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to conduct visitation sessions with parents who are in prison.
Working Together On Visitation
If your fellow co-parent is currently incarcerated, you should work together to create a visitation schedule. If the two of you are not on good terms, you can ask another experienced individual to help facilitate visitation sessions.
Remaining Flexible
It is important to be flexible when it comes to visitation sessions. The prison may have strict rules about when and how long visits can last, so it is crucial to prepare for this. Understand that your child may not want to attend visitation sessions at first. They may be scared or confused that their other parent is in prison. It is important to be patient and understanding with your child - they need time to adjust to the situation.
Review Visitation Policies
If you are the parent who is not incarcerated, you should reach out to the prison and find out what their visitation policies are. You may need to complete some paperwork or undergo a background check in order to be approved for visitation. Once you have been approved, you can work with the prison to schedule regular visitation sessions with your child's other parent.
Visitation sessions can be conducted in person or over video chat. Video chat may be the best option if you live far away from the prison, though you’ll want an adult present to monitor the conversation. Letters, photos, and care packages are another way to maintain communication between child and co-parent.
Working With Experienced Custody Attorneys
Visitation sessions may be difficult, but they are important for both you and your child. With a little planning and flexibility, you can make visitation work - no matter what the circumstances are. If you experience any custody issues, know that the team at Bush & Taylor, P.C. can provide you with experienced guidance.
Reach our office today at (757) 926-0078 to schedule a consultation.