Description
1982, Convention Press. Paperback cover is scuffed, and faded at the bottom. Pages are yellowed but unmarked. Staple binding is secure.
This unassuming staple-bound booklet from 1982 offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of prison reform and rehabilitation efforts in the United States. Authored by Doyle W. Braden, a pioneer in the field of correctional counseling, “How to set up and conduct a weekly visitation program” was likely one of the earliest guides to establishing structured visitation programs in prisons and jails. At a time when the American penal system was grappling with overcrowding, violence, and high recidivism rates, Braden recognized the importance of maintaining familial bonds and community connections for incarcerated individuals. This slim volume would have been a valuable resource for prison administrators, social workers, and volunteers seeking to implement visitation initiatives that could potentially improve the well-being of inmates and aid in their eventual reintegration into society. While modest in appearance, this booklet represents an important step in the evolution of more humane and rehabilitative approaches to incarceration in the latter half of the 20th century.
