Welcome to the Table: Rikers Program

To support people’s loved ones inside the Rose M. Singer Center Correctional Facility on Rikers Island, Hour Children’s Visiting and Family Assistance Program provides in-person and virtual services to people detained at the Rose M. Singer Center. Hour Children and the Osborne Association partnered in the spring of 2021 to meet the needs of justice involved people and their families in order to strengthen family connections during detention, facilitate long-term stability, and increase family reunification.

Rikers based services include:

• Visiting support
• Individual support
• Video visits from office spaces with social work support
• “Parenting Virtually” & “Parenting from a Distance” curriculum
• Advocacy services for families with child custody and child welfare involvement
• Supporting family relationships and bonds during separation
• Re-entry planning

Community based services include:

• Community referrals for family members and children
• Post release support
• Support groups
• Teen groups
• Recreational activities
• Support and advocacy for remote learning
• Child based services and support
• Parent advocates for court, child welfare and school concerns
• Mentoring for children

Erica Olivencia, a Parent Advocate with the program, bridges the gap between the parent and their family. When people with children are arrested, they often have very little support with their family court case. Once detained, there is a loss of communication between mother and child. Erica works to keep families connected during this process- pre- and post-release. She assists with supervised visits while the mother is incarcerated, and tries to make the visit feel as comfortable as possible, providing emotional support to family members before the tele-visit or in-person visit and after. “Building trust with the family is so important,” says Erica. “Family court ramps up upon a mother’s release, and they need someone in their corner who will be there for them.” This wrap-around, tailored support is crucial to our services, especially once someone is released. “I’m here to support them no matter what and advocate for their choices,” says Kenisa Ferguson, the Re-entry Specialist with the program. Kenisa works with clients to build a path that works for them, resolves issues relating to incarceration and beyond, and explores options to reduce going back to prison. She connects clients to housing and treatment programs, including substance abuse services, and goes to court with them. HC’s program provides professional clothing for clients to attend court, which boosts confidence within the woman and alters the misconceptions that court officials may have when making their decisions. Communication is central to forming trust with clients. Janeth Rouse, Bilingual Visiting Service Specialist, focuses on providing support for families to ensure successful visits with their mother. She meets with clients in-person for one-on-one settings, and also virtually. In a system that fosters so much mistrust, Janeth says, “It is traumatic for the families to go through this process. There is so much confusion.” Rouse helps people with international visits, tele-visits, and is there for the families before and after as a pillar of support and to work through any technical issues they may have.

Meredith Tipper, their newest team member and Social Worker, provides casework one-on-one, parenting support, and general support services. Mental health support is key to people in the re-entry process. Not only does it allow space to recuperate, but it allows assistance in planning their futures and with family support.

Since the news of the transfer of Rose M. Singer Center women and transgender people to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Hour Children’s Rikers program has been dedicated to the advocacy and support of the people inside during this time of uncertainty, stress and fear and we are mindful of, and honor, those we have lost on Rikers Island. Many are confused and worried about their move. Our Rikers program has been working to ensure that all people get the services they need upon moving. They have been working with other re-entry service programs, along with the New York State, to make sure this happens.

Megan Pfeiffer, Program Director for the Rikers team at Hour Children, notes that families and people incarcerated at Rikers needed additional support during the COVID pandemic. Megan’s priority for the people inside and the families has been to keep everyone connected to each other. Her team has created the Welcome Home Nook, which serves as a resource for people coming home after incarceration. They are able to pick up hygiene products, masks, clothing for interviews, and other necessary items. As we look towards the future of the Visiting and Family Assistance Program, our Rikers team continues to support the women, transgender people, and families during this difficult transition.