People incarcerated in the Washtenaw County Jail now have the opportunity to visit with friends and family in person following a policy change by the Sheriff’s Office.
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has begun allowing in-person visitation as part of its broader approach to rehabilitation.
Sheriff Alyshia Dyer says regular physical contact with loved ones can reduce recidivism. She adds children also benefit because in-person visits allow them to maintain a bond with an incarcerated parent.
“Children who have a parent incarcerated experience trauma. You know, it’s one of the adverse childhood experiences that children will go through in their lifetime. And so, creating a situation where families can see and talk and hug their loved one is just really rewarding.”
Dyer says improving the mental health of people in jail ultimately improves public safety.
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