Prisoners also use telephone calls to home so that their relationships with spouses and other loved ones can continue to grow. These calls allow couples to work out any problems with their relationship due to the distance they are apart. Prisoners can also ask family members for advice for whatever frustrations the prisoner is having in the institution or with the U.S. Parole Commission. This immediate communication allows a prisoner to vent his or her frustrations and helps the prisoner maintain a good behavior record. First and foremost, family members need to know that their loved one is safe.
Families know that prisons can be a dangerous place.
D.C. family members remember all to well the terror they felt when they heard about the multiple stabbings that occurred at the Corrections Corporation of America's Northeast Ohio Facility. One grandmother said that she needs to hear her grandson's voice to know that he is safe. Letters do not have a tone of voice that lets you know your loved one is indeed alright. They are the ones that have to be strong for the children and need that opportunity to cry or complain to ease their stress and tension. They also need to share the responsibilities of decisions about child rearing with the incarcerated parent.