I also drafted a visitation cheat sheet. This is a draft to get us thinking about what we might say when we visit someone. It might be helpful for the first few visits when nerves are high and you don’t want to forget anything. Having a cheat sheet was an idea that came up in our January meeting so I agreed to start something. This is just a jumping off point, so feel free to change it and revise it as much as you want. -Emily
Emily’s original is attached — see ATTACHMENTS on the right. -p
Introduce yourself:¶
Hi, my name is (your name). I am from the Fort Collins Prison Visitation group. (Or whatever name we choose).
Are you (state their name)?
It is nice to meet you.
State parameters:¶
Let me tell you a little bit about our group. We can offer to come visit you, take messages to your family, and bring messages, clothes or money back from your family. (These are just a few of the things we’ve talked about. We may or may not decide to do these things, but you get the idea.)
I want to be really clear that I am not a lawyer and so I can not give you legal advice. (Do we want to say something here to warn the person that the visit conversations are probably taped?)
We are new at this, so I may not always know how things work in the prison system, but I can try to find out. I’d like to help out in any way I can.
Do you have any questions?¶
(This may be a good point to share something about yourself, such as why you are interested in doing this work or are interested in visiting this person.)
Main conversation:¶
How are you doing today? Or What’s going on?
(Try to keep asking open ended questions to let them lead the conversation. Remember to use the active listening skills.)
Wrap up:¶
(Prioritize with the person what needs to happen next- set up another visit, talk to their family, etc. If you are planning to bring money or clothes back for them remind them to put in a “kite” for that item.)
