The Kansas Department of Corrections has opened a newly-designed visitation area at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility.  The new area is more child-centered, with interactive tools and learning activities that focus on the emotional and developmental needs of children.  The concept is intended to address the mental health and wellbeing of children affected by parental incarceration.

This is the first visitation area in Kansas designed to promote a more humane and family-friendly approach to promote bonding time. This new approach has been in practice for several years at the Topeka Correctional Facility where qualified residents can earn offsite visits with their children and in some cases, grandchildren, as part of the Play Free program hosted by KCDC in Topeka. KCDC has also facilitated similar visits utilizing its mobile unit at male facilities throughout the state.

The visitation area was created in a partnership with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, and the key features include interactive play areas with educational toys, a STEM-focused wind tunnel, a custom train table for imaginative play, an art and games station stocked with creative materials, a cozy reading nook, a giant light peg wall for illuminated designs, and a puppet theater for storytelling and dramatic play.   

Kansas Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda said in a press release, “Keeping children connected to their parents in a meaningful way can help break the cycle of criminality and promote the success of the incarcerated parent upon their return to society.”

A similar visitation area was also unveiled at the El Dorado Correctional Facility, while a third visitation area will also open at Lansing Correctional Facility later in the spring.

[ photo:  Kansas Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda with officials at the unveiling of the new visitation area ]