Special family visit rewards Miss. prisoners for good behavior

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RANKIN COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - Nearly 200 inmates in Mississippi are spending Saturday getting a special visitation with their families.

For three hours, inmates at the state's Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County will be able to sit down with their children and grandchildren and spend time playing games, face-painting, coloring, and doing other activities.

The special family visits, which began last year, are a reward for those inmates who have had good behavior for a year or more. Prison officials say they believe it helps reduce the number of inmates who are cited for fighting and various other infractions.

The numbers appear to support that theory. In September 2017, when the first family visit was held, there were 183 inmates eligible. Today, 277 inmates are able to participate in the family day.

Up to 100 female inmates and 90 male inmates will participate in the program, which is happening from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Each inmate is allowed to visit with three children and one adult off of an approved visitation list.

CMCF Superintendent Ron King has watched inmates and family members mingle at the previous "Day with Mom" or "Day with Dad."

"We realize that most of these offenders will be released," King said. "Having a strong family support system to include a relationship with their children is very important to their success. The event is also very fun and rewarding for the children."

Warden Dean Epps, who oversees the female inmates, said she believes it is necessary for staff to give inmates something to look forward to.

"The court gave them their punishment," said Epps. "We just can't lock them up and don't give them an opportunity to change."

CMCF Recreation Director Richard Caston, who supervises the participating male inmates, said the men have been looking forward to the special visit for months.

"Most of the inmates who have been here for years say this is a way for them to show that they still love their children," Caston said.

The incentive is beneficial for both staff and the inmates, said Commissioner Pelicia E. Hall.

"My staff members have told me what a positive impact they believe this program has," Hall said. "I applaud the CMCF staff for acting on my charge to come up with programs that cost little to no money to improve rehabilitation and re-entry for inmates."

To qualify for the family day visit, inmates must have been imprisoned fro a minimum of one year and not have any rule violations at all for one year.