A programme using books and activities to enhance the experience of Visiting Day in prison between parent and child when visiting with whānau.
We know that tamariki are vulnerable to a raft of negative impacts that are the result of having a key whānau member in custody, with the resulting disconnection as a major driver of those negative effects.
Child-Centric Visits focus on whakawhanaungatanga: connectivity between whānau members with the child at the centre, and therefore requires that the visit becomes a more child-friendly environment, one in which the child feels welcomed and wants to return.
This child-centric approach not only serves whānau connectivity but also allows the parent to practise engaging with their tamariki in prosocial activities in an environment that invites and models that.
Child-Centric Visiting in action
We have progressed with Child-Centric Visiting (CCV) and have regular Child-Centric Visits in place at Christchurch Women’s Prison (CWP) and Northern Region Corrections Facility (NRCF).
Storytime Foundation delivered a special Christmas event at NRCF in 2022 that was a great success and received national news coverage on Newshub.
Part of our strategy in further developing these visits is to create spaces and/or facilities in which to build and strengthen whānau relationships. This includes more comfortable visiting rooms and more suitable visiting times, audio-visual link (AVL) access, whānau days, and the ability for whānau to visit more often.
Child-Centric Visiting – research and results
“Corrections Prisoners rejoice as charity organises visiting day activities for them and their children” – Newshub
Storytime Foundation’s Child-Centric Visiting programme features in the Newshub story on dads in prison. Read article here
“Fathers at Auckland Prison bond with their children as part of parenting programme” – RNZ
Storytime Foundation helps fathers bond with their children at Christmas. Read article here.