Love from behind bars: A prison's scheme for inmates to maintain family life

A German projects helps fathers in prison stay close to their families. — Photos: BORIS ROESSLER/dpa

THERE are many things that are tough about prison, and maintaining relationships with those on the outside isn’t the least of them.

Inmates who are parents are faced with particular difficulties as they might miss out on crucial years in their children’s lives. To help prisoners and relatives to maintain relationships – or rebuild them if needed – one facility north of Germany’s financial capital of Frankfurt has introduced monthly family days.