“I was having a difficult time with my incarceration until this program. Seeing my daughter and bonding with her, seeing her okay helps make me okay. I’ve gotten into less trouble during this incarceration since starting this program.”
– parent in jail
“She seems much happier and talks about her mom more often than before the visits.
Her mom is more a part of her life now. They have a connection again.”
– caregiver of child participant
Developed from the Brooklyn NY Public Library, TeleStory is a free video visiting program that provides a safe, child-friendly space at a local library for children to connect over video with a parent in jail
Technical support and resources are given to children and caregivers at the library. Prior to the virtual visit, parents can participate in a workshop which helps make visits successful for all.
WHY TELESTORY MATTERS
- Child-friendly visiting spaces and experiences help reduce stress and anxiety for children, while increasing the quantity and quality of parent-child visits.
- Children and their caregivers become familiar and comfortable with the local library and staff. Families learn about signing up for a library card and receive information on library programs.
- Jailed parents increase their understanding and skills to interact positively with their children.