The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad, California, was filled with joy and emotion on June 13 as more than a hundred families gathered for an early Father’s Day celebration. The event, organized by the Get on the Bus program through the Center for Restorative Justice Works (CRJW)provided free transportation and meals, allowing families to visit their incarcerated loved ones and strengthen their bonds.
The program aims to support the mental health of children with incarcerated fathers and foster parental connections. For many families, this event was a rare opportunity to spend quality time together, creating memories that would otherwise be impossible due to the challenges of prison visits.
The emotional impact of the Get on the Bus program
For families like the Romeros, the event was a chance to reconnect in a meaningful way. Alisa Romero brought her 14-year-old daughter and seven-year-old grandson to visit her husband, Richard Romero. The children cried with joy when they saw their father, and the family spent the day playing board games, taking pictures, and catching up on milestones that Richard had missed during his incarceration.
The event also provided a financial reprieve for families. Normally, visits to the prison would require spending money on overpriced vending machine food. A soda can cost about $3, and a single hot pocket or frozen cheeseburger can cost $10. Families can bring up to five people per visit, so the cost adds up quickly. The Get on the Bus program eliminated this financial burden, allowing families to focus on their time together without the stress of expenses.
Strengthening family bonds through shared experiences
The Vallis family also found the event to be a special occasion. Leah Vallis’ son had recently graduated from high school, and the family was able to bring his cap and gown into the prison, thanks to the advocacy of Get on the Bus. Derrick Ware, the son’s stepfather, was able to see him wear the regalia in person, take family pictures in the photo booth, and share a laugh. This experience was particularly meaningful for Ware, who had only been able to see 30-second videos of the graduation.
For Ira Daniels, the event was a chance to see his granddaughters, ages 6 and 8, who had been eagerly anticipating the visit. The girls ran to jump on him as soon as he walked into the visiting room, their eyes lit up with excitement. Daniels expressed how much these visits mean to him, as they remind him of the life he is working to return to.
The importance of maintaining connections
The Get on the Bus program recognizes the critical role of maintaining strong relationships between incarcerated parents and their children. Research has shown that in-person visits and quality time together improve the mental health of children, reducing feelings of abandonment and shame. The program exists to ensure that these children are not forgotten and that their voices are heard.
Liz Ríos, executive director of CRJW, emphasized the importance of supporting children who are often the hidden victims of the criminal justice system. “They did absolutely nothing wrong, and yet they’re the ones that carry the most suffering in this whole thing,” she said. The Get on the Bus program is a step towards addressing this suffering and providing a sense of normalcy and connection for these families.
As the day came to an end, families exited through one side of the room, while the incarcerated fathers left through the other. Children cried, many not understanding why their fathers couldn’t go with them. On the bus ride back to Los Angeles, children fell asleep cuddling the teddy bears from their fathers, a physical reminder of the special day they had just shared.
