One of the major barriers to visitation is geographical proximity. Many prisons, particularly women's prisons, are located in more rural areas and are difficult to access by public transportation. Finally, grandparent or other relative caregivers may deny visits as a way of expressing anger at the imprisoned parent. Also, the rooms where the visits take place are rarely child-friendly. Most families can't afford frequent calls.
Children live in poverty . . .
When women go to prison, their children may suffer financially because the mothers are often the sole support of their children. Their children are often cared for by relatives who are also poor and already overburdened. Many relative caregivers depend upon public assistance to care for the children living with them. When a parent is released . . . Families seeking to reunify when a parent has been released face many challenges.