by TChris

It's tough to maintain a relationship with a child -- especially a young child -- while serving time behind bars. Parents often don't want their children to experience the frightening image of confinement; sometimes, they just can't overcome their shame so they ask the kids to stay away. And even when kids and parents want to visit, they need to find transportation and a willing adult escort.

The Long Distance Dads program is trying to help. Operating in about 160 facilities in 26 states, the program helps incercerated fathers build parenting and relationship skills while working to keep them in touch with their children.

Such programs "can make a difference not just in the lives of children, but in the recidivism rate - keeping these guys out, and making them productive citizens," says Charles Stuart, the former director of incarcerated father programming for the National Fatherhood Initiative, which runs Long Distance Dads.