Cobb County jail helps mothers reconnect with children

A program at the Cobb County jail is giving incarcerated parents an opportunity to strengthen relationships with their children while gaining skills they can use after their release, according to WABE.

Called “Bond Beyond Bars,” the initiative brings together education, workforce preparation, personal development and parenting support for participants who meet the program’s requirements. Those enrolled can work toward technical certifications or a GED while receiving instruction in areas such as anger management, navigating probation and parenting.

The program recently marked its completion with an in-person visit between participants and their children. Major Yaminah Holt compared the moment to a wedding day, explaining to participants, “Just like you have a wedding and you have your first look, we’re about to have our first look with the kids, so you’ll be able to enjoy that contact and visit with them.”

For some mothers, the gathering provided their first opportunity in months or years to physically embrace their children. WABE reported that many had relied on video calls to maintain contact while incarcerated.

One participant, identified as J.T., was reunited with her two young sons. After the visit, she described the experience as emotional and encouraging.

“I’m overwhelmed. I’m feeling very excited and blessed. … [The program] showed me that people really still care, and I need to do better.”

The reunions were meaningful for family members as well. Jaquava Parks said her daughter, J.F., had not seen her mother in person for two years.

“I’m very happy that she signed up to be in the program in order to see her daughter and me, because, like I said, we hadn’t seen her in two years, so, yes, I think the program was a good decision for her.”

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Foundation and members of the local Divine Nine historically Black sororities support the program. Organizers say strengthening family relationships can be an important part of reducing the likelihood that participants return to jail.

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens told WABE that the significance of allowing incarcerated mothers to have meaningful physical contact with their children.

“We’re one of the few … that allow this to happen, so that mom can rekindle that bond with their children and let the children know that they have not forgotten about them even though they’re incarcerated.”

The Cobb County jail also held an initial Bond Beyond Bars session for incarcerated fathers earlier this year, expanding the program’s focus on helping parents maintain family connections during incarceration.