Buses Bring Families to See Incarcerated Fathers

An early Father's Day celebration brought over a hundred families to the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad, California, on June 13, 2026. The "Get on the Bus" program, facilitated by the Center for Restorative Justice Works (CRJW), provided complimentary transportation and meals, alleviating financial burdens for families.

This initiative is designed to benefit the mental health of children with incarcerated fathers and nurture parental connections. Program director Liz Ríos emphasized the goal of maintaining strong family bonds for eventual reunification.

For many children, it was a rare chance to see their fathers. Mothers experienced a respite from single parenting, while incarcerated fathers gained motivation from family interaction. The event allowed families to share meals and activities, overcoming the high costs typically associated with prison visits.

Alisa Romero highlighted the program's relief from expensive vending machine prices. Families engaged in board games, took photos, and had meaningful conversations. One family celebrated a son's high school graduation with his stepfather, Derrick Ware, who had missed the event.

The day concluded with gifts of teddy bears, serving as keepsakes for children. One woman celebrated her husband's birthday for the first time in years. The six-hour visit felt brief, and tearful goodbyes marked the end of the day for many families and their incarcerated loved ones.