I recently heard about the “Get on the Bus Program” but unfortunately this program only benefits certain facilities in California. I believe all California facilities should have access to this program. For anyone who doesn’t know the Get on the Bus Program is a program that brings children and their caregivers from throughout the State of California to visit their mothers and fathers in prison. An annual event. "Get on the Bus" offers free transportation for the children and their caregivers to the prison, provides travel bags for the children, comfort bags for the caregivers, a photo of each child with his or her parent, and meals for the day (breakfast, snacks on the bus, a special lunch at the prison with their parent and dinner on the way home), all at no cost to the children's family. On the bus trip home, following a four hour visit, each child receives a teddy bear with a letter from their parent and post-event counseling.

2.7 million children have a parent in jail or in prison. We can speak up for children separated from their parents by incarceration. Advocating for programs and policies that make it easier for kids to visit their parents in jail or prison. Research shows visits help reduce prison misconduct and recidivism. Evidence also suggests that visits can positively affect a child's well-being and improve the chances that families will remain intact when a former inmate renters the community. 

By signing this petition you can help so many children be able to visit their parents that are incarcerated.