Miami, Florida — On November 4, 2014, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) held a Daddy-Daughter Dance for offenders in the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Miami, Florida.
Federal prisoners came dressed in their Sunday best, as did their daughters. You would have never known the formal dance was being held at a prison. It was like a scene from any school Daddy-Daughter Dance.
The Bureau said this event is an example of the Bureau’s latest efforts to reach out to the children and families of offenders in their care, to renew relationships and strengthen bonds. The Bureau’s mission to help offenders return to their communities as productive law abiding citizens does not end at the prison walls; connections to families and children are critical aspects of reentry, along with employment, housing and medical care.
Distinguished guests from the Department of Justice included Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Charles E. Samuels, Jr., Assistant Attorney General for Justice Programs Karol Mason, Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Eugene Schneeberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo Ferrer, FDC Warden William T. Taylor, National President of the Council of Prison Locals Eric Young and Miami-Dade Police Department Chaplain Dr. Walter T. Richardson.
“You are a key to the success of your father,” Director Samuels told the daughters. He reminded the fathers of the theme of the dance, “There is Still Time at the Ball” – still time to take an active part in the lives of their daughters. The Director encouraged the men to take advantage of the Bureau’s many self-improvement programs, remain involved with their children while in prison, and become positive members of the community following release.
Director Samuels reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to hold more events like this and to implement even more innovative programs for parents to improve relationships with their children. Eric Young, National President of the Council of Prison Locals, American Federation of Government Employees also addressed the attendees, echoing many of the sentiments expressed by Director Samuels. He recognized and thanked the staff for their unyielding efforts achieving the mission and protecting public safety.
What do you think? Should prisoners be allowed to participate in this type of event? Leave your comments below.