A Mother’s Story

Luanne

As one of the founding moms of this site, I want to share why starting this group, P4PR, means so much to me. 

 

My son, Jonah, has spent time in many prisons and jails.  Although Jonah was raised in a good, loving, middle class home, he made some dreadfully poor choices which he has and continues to pay for.  I was one of those parents who thought if I brought my children up as I should they would act accordingly.  It never even occurred to me that a child of mine could wind up in prison!  As a young mother, I was concerned about childhood diseases and accidents.    Never in my darkest nightmares did this life seem a possibility.  As with many tragic happenings in life, I assumed this was something that happened to other people.  Although this is a common perception, statistics show roughly 40% of all adults in the United States have or have had an immediate family member incarcerated. 

 

Over the years, Jonah has been moved to so many facilities I have lost count.  Never has the hardship on family been considered in his placement.  As a resident of the Southeastern part of the country, access to most of these locations would require a plane ride.  I have been afraid to commit to the cost this would involve because the facilities are so often on lockdown.  During lockdowns prisoners are unable to have visitors.  At this point in time, I have not seen my son in almost four years.  

 

This was even more disturbing a short time ago when my son was very sick.  He was not allowed any medical care.  When he did finally see a nurse, she told him they had no medication that could be given to him.  He was in agony for over ten days before he recovered.  Poor and insufficient food and severely limited medical care are all too often routine.

 

He refuses to tell me much of what he has witnessed happen to many prisoners.  I know he has seen many stabbings and serious injuries from which some inmates died.  Jonah himself was stabbed at one prison because he refused to participate in violence against another inmate.  

 

I know the first thought many of you will have is people who break the law deserve harsh punishment.  None of us involved in prison reform thinks criminals should not be punished.  That thought is absurd and without justification.  There are and should be consequences for behavior incompatible with the laws of society.  

 

However, punishment should be humane and truly corrective.  The condition in most prisons and jails does nothing to promote positive change in people.  In fact, it promotes further criminal behavior, despair and bitterness.  Studies and research have shown time and time again prisoners who are given educational and work opportunities are much more likely to rejoin society as productive citizens. 

 

This system should not be allowed in any society, but especially not in one of our stature.  We cannot claim to be a just, humane nation with this scourge existing.  I urge you all to contact your legislators, governors and other public officials to push for prison reform.  This should not and cannot wait!