NEW LISBON, Wis. — At New Lisbon Correctional Institution (NLCI) in Wisconsin, a unique program bridges the gap between incarcerated fathers and their young children through the power of storytelling.
Brandon Copeland, once an inseparable presence in his 3-year-old son’s life, finds solace in the program that allows him to continue playing a part in his son’s bedtime routine, despite the walls that now separate them, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WDOC) stated in a news release.
This initiative, spearheaded by students from UW-La Crosse under the guidance of Professor Nicholas Bakken, enables fathers like Copeland to record themselves reading storybooks, which are then sent to their children. The program not only brings comfort to their kids but also maintains vital family connections that can be pivotal for rehabilitation, WDOC said.
During the fall, Bakken’s sociology class made two trips to the institution, allowing students to directly engage with the fathers, understand their stories and contribute to the development of meaningful programs aimed at reinforcing family ties. The students’ involvement extends beyond simple participation; they gain hands-on experience in program development and get a real-world glimpse into the correctional system’s operations.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy emphasizes the importance of such initiatives.
“Strengthening family connections – particularly between children and their parents – supports rehabilitation and makes individuals more successful in the community,” said Hoy. “While many DOC institutions offer parenting programs and special events, DOC is continuing to explore ways to promote family-friendly visiting opportunities.”
The students presented their innovative ideas to prison officials in early December, suggesting various activities ranging from therapy groups to special crafting sessions that could facilitate more interactive visits, WDOC said. Some of these proposals are already being implemented in other institutions across the state, such as the Camp Reunite program at Taycheedah Correctional Institution, which offers trauma-informed activities for mothers and their children.
“Partnering with NLCI on this experiential learning project has been an invaluable experience,” Bakken said. “Students have had the opportunity to collaborate with incarcerated fathers on a meaningful program within the institution, aimed at strengthening connections between these fathers and their children. Through this initiative, students have also gained practical insights into program development and implementation within the broader correctional system.”
In the broader scope, Wisconsin’s Department of Corrections supports these familial bonds through diverse programs at several institutions, reflecting a commitment to rehabilitative strategies that extend beyond traditional methods. The recent rollout of electronic tablets across the state’s facilities further aids this mission by allowing inmates to stay connected with their families through calls, messages and video visits.
For fathers like Copeland, these programs provide a lifeline to the outside world and a chance to support their children’s development from afar. He told WDOC that he hopes his son, who recently started preschool, finds words of encouragement every time he turns the pages of “Under the Same Moon” with a special message from him.
“Hey B. It’s Dad. I hope you like your book. Enjoy it. Do good in school. I love you,” Copeland said.
