I've got a friend (yes really I do!) on another forum who posted the
following:

don't know how many of you are aware of this, but I write for our local newspaper. I had a regular weekly column for four years which ended a few months ago, and the editor has me freelance reporting now. The big "City-Council" meeting was my first gig. Woo-Hoo! Talk about ex-derned-citing! "Mr. Soboring would like the masking tape removed from the ceiling, as it's been there since we painted last summer." Zzzzzzzzzzz.... But, my town is small enough, it was front page news lol. Anyway, I just got off the phone with my editor and he wants me to do a human interest story. This will be published the Sunday before Christmas, and they're sending me a list of families I need to interview. These are families with one parent in jail during Christmas. This hasn't been my merriest Christmas so far, and this isn't the jolliest assignment I can imagine. I'm willing to bet there are going to be some tearful children I have to talk with, and I'm sure that's going to be heartbreaking. I'm also supposed to take pictures (not sure what of, though, yet). I will need to outline my interview questions, and wondered--if you were reading this type of story, what would you want to know about the family, how they cope with the sadness of an incarcerated parent, etc.? I have a few questions in mind to ask, but wanted some feedback from others. Thanks. ~Tracy

If you all can think of anything to help her post it here and I'll have come on and read your replies. This is a chance to help show things in a different, maybe positive light for once.

Scott

Hmm, I would want to know how the inmates with children keep in touch or do they keep in touch or can they? Also, how difficult is it to keep a marriage alive with a spouse incarcerated? Im sure many file for divorce so i would like that perspective as well as those really trying hard to keep their marriages together. Its likely she will encounter both.

For the photos, I would like to see the families and by contrast the inmates in prison and what their surroundings look like. Also if you could get any shots of visits though thats kind of private. Just ideas. Spread it out some. Its a very good idea for an article and also has documentary video possibilities.

I would take a picture of a child, who's holding out one hand to the camera, holding a picture of the parent who's in prison.



Kinda like this, either focusing on the child or the picture.

As for questions... Seeing as though it's supposed to be a Christmas story, I would want to know what Christmas will be like with a parent in prison. What's their day going to be like? Are they visiting? Will they be getting a phonecall? Are they sending gifts to the parent in prison?

Boy, tough one since not much to work with here,lol

Leaves me with more questions than idea's.
Not knowing how these familys were picked out to began with? Are they a diverse group meaning of race, income level, blue collar or not, religion or lifestyle, before one spouse went to prison. Was it a Mom or Dad both sides of who got incarcerated?
Is this mainly for the effects it has on the children or the complete family, on into society as a whole?
What is the goal or point's you want to bring out the most, of the human interest side?
After all comes together?

If very young children when one spouse went in, do they tell the children if so how,,if not why?

Scott, what state is this article relevant too?

Smiley,

I'm not certain, I'll let you know when I talk to her.

It's indiana, and she'll get me a link to the article when it appears on the 23rd.

I would like to see a positive story, one about the misconception many have of "Dead Beat Parents" serving time.

What programs are available to help them learn new parenting skills? how do they personally maintain contact with their kids? what is the state doing to help maintain family contact when one partner ceases all communication?
Indiana has many parenting programs available, what is the criteria for an incarcerated parent to be accepted into the courses? How has this changed their perception and view as a parent, or their parents teachings, if any? How has the courses effected them on a personal level? How has it effected their relationship with their partner and child?
If it is a prison story then i think it should come from that perspective and not so much the single parent raising the kid/s.

I look forward to the link and reading the story from her perspective.

Scott,

If it's possible, I would like to read the story

Originally Posted by smiley

I would like to see a positive story, one about the misconception many have of "Dead Beat Parents" serving time.

What programs are available to help them learn new parenting skills? how do they personally maintain contact with their kids? what is the state doing to help maintain family contact when one partner ceases all communication?
Indiana has many parenting programs available, what is the criteria for an incarcerated parent to be accepted into the courses? How has this changed their perception and view as a parent, or their parents teachings, if any? How has the courses effected them on a personal level? How has it effected their relationship with their partner and child?
If it is a prison story then i think it should come from that perspective and not so much the single parent raising the kid/s.

I look forward to the link and reading the story from her perspective.

me too please. would love to know the answers to these myself