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Connecting inmates with their children through books

Molly Wood Jun 24, 2015
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Connecting inmates with their children through books

Molly Wood Jun 24, 2015
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As part of our series about technology in prisons called “Jailbreak,” we paid a visit to a new program that uses technology to fill an important role in the development of the children of those who are incarcerated.

Organizers say the TeleStory program the first of its kind in the country. At the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York, families of inmates bring their children to a special room filled with toys and books. Even more unique: the room is virtually connected to a prison on Rikers Island.

As part of the program, an inmate who has had training gets a rare opportunity: they get to read a book to their child. 

We paid a visit to the Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch, where we got to chat with a family taking part in the program.

Click the media player above to hear more.

 

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