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TJJD Utilizes Technology to Bring Families Together

In 2013 the Vera Institute, in conjunction with Families as Partners in Ohio, concluded a research project in which findings supported that family visitation is associated with improved youth behavior and improved school performance of incarcerated youth. These findings suggested that correctional facilities should try to change their visitation policy to promote more frequent visitation with families.  Because Texas is such a large state and cost of travel is sometimes prohibitive for our families, in 2013 the Family Supports Department began a focus on virtual family visits with their youth.  In FY 2015, 188 webcam sessions connected youth with their family members who were unable to visit their facility.

TJJD parole offices are playing an important role in offering virtual family visits.  Most recently the San Antonio District office partnered with Ron Jackson to conduct their 1st Family Connections Web Cam Family Day on December 19, 2015. They had 15 family members participate to virtually visit with their 5 youth, some of whom had not seen their child since commitment. Light refreshments were served and each family received a food goody bag donated by our local Food Bank.

We hope that by encouraging and supporting more family engagement, these youth will utilize that positive energy in their rehabilitation process. There were many tears of happiness and we look forward to continuing to offer these services to our youth and their families.

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