Dimensions of Father-Child Interaction in a New York State Prison Population
One of the most important dimensions of the prison experience is contact among incarcerated parents and their children. This study explores modes of father-child interaction in a New York State maximum-security male prison population by reporting on both "proximal" (participating in the Family Reunion Program, day visits, and facility Family Day picnics) and "distal" (exchanging cards and/or letters, and telephoning home to the children) types of interaction. The types of contact between the incarcerated parent and the child, the frequency with which this interaction takes place, and reasons for infrequent contact, or for a total absence of parent-child interaction, are reported. Distal and proximal modes of interation also are examined in relation to the imprisoned father's perception as to whether his children will live with im upon his release from prison. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations in this important area.