Dying Girl Denied Chance To Visit Father

[SmootSmack]

"But the heartbroken family of a 10-year-old Nebraska girl diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, who is not expected to live through the end of the month, say the Federal Bureau of Prisons has denied the child's dying wish: that her incarcerated father be furloughed to be by his child's bedside when she dies."

ABC News: Child's Dying Wish to See Dad Unfulfilled

Lady Brave, the prison system is in your wheelhouse; what are your thoughts on this?

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

What was her dad charged with? I feel sorry for the girl.

[SmootSmack]

Dealing drugs

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

I say let him out to see her make him wear a bracelet and bring him back or let an officer escort him there. It isnt the girls fault that this happened to her.

[EternalEnigma21]

that's tragic. Completely tragic.

[JoeRedskin]

They aren't punishing him. They are punishing her. Sad truly sad. Some damn bureaucrat has a bug up there ass and is pulling a "it's the guidelines" crap. If this was a Kennedy (insert celebrity here), do we think there would be an issue?

[Lady Brave]

I'm not really sure what the reasoning is behind denying the visit given that he's been approved for supervised visits in the past. If he's asking for an extended stay, then I can understand why the prison won't grant the request. Transportation, security and manpower issues are always taken into account when granting these types of requests.

I think the main thing is, if the prison administration gives special consideration to an inmate for extraordinary circumstances beyond what's established in their guidelines, then they run the risk of opening a floodgate of requests from other inmates. Each time you bend the rules a little, you set a precedent that other inmates will attempt to use for their advantage.

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

They aren't punishing him. They are punishing her. Sad truly sad. Some damn bureaucrat has a bug up there ass and is pulling a "it's the guidelines" crap. If this was a Kennedy (insert celebrity here), do we think there would be an issue?

Well, one could make the argument that his irresponsible decisions are what's ultimately punishing his daughter.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Lady Brave

I'm not really sure what the reasoning is behind denying the visit given that he's been approved for supervised visits in the past. If he's asking for an extended stay, then I can understand why the prison won't grant the request. Transportation, security and manpower issues are always taken into account when granting these types of requests.

I think the main thing is, if the prison administration gives special consideration to an inmate for extraordinary circumstances beyond what's established in their guidelines, then they run the risk of opening a floodgate of requests from other inmates. Each time you bend the rules a little, you set a precedent that other inmates will attempt to use for their advantage.

Do the guidelines need to be changed then?

[hooskins]

I understand what you are saying Lady Brave, but perhaps an exception for a dying family member?

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Do the guidelines need to be changed then?

In my opinion, no. We have guidelines in place for a good reason and we don't make decisions hastily when confronted with issues like these. People may not agree with the rules we have in place, but they are necessary in order to maintain fairness when dealing with all inmates, not just a select few.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Lady Brave

In my opinion, no. We have guidelines in place for a good reason and we don't make decisions hastily when confronted with issues like these. People may not agree with the rules we have in place, but they are necessary in order to maintain fairness when dealing with all inmates, not just a select few.

It's an unenviable position to be in, I'm sure. I completely understand what you're saying about a precedent being set.

Still, it's hard not to sympathize with the girl.

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by hooskins

I understand what you are saying Lady Brave, but perhaps an exception for a dying family member?

Based on my personal experience, this particular inmate should be grateful he's been allowed outside visits with his daughter at all. Most inmates don't get that opportunity. Especially those who are housed in local confinement facilities like I work in.

We only allow inmates to visit the funeral home after a family member has passed away and they are only allowed brief contact with the family. The reason for that is the potential for a family member to slip a weapon or contraband to the inmate. Safety and security is our primary focus regardless of the situation. I'm a civilian employee, not a certified detention officer. So it's a bit difficult for me to explain all the factors or different scenarios that are taken into account when dealing with these type of situations.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Lady Brave

In my opinion, no. We have guidelines in place for a good reason and we don't make decisions hastily when confronted with issues like these. People may not agree with the rules we have in place, but they are necessary in order to maintain fairness when dealing with all inmates, not just a select few.

I 100% agree with you LB.

Sure, you feel for the dying girl, but you have to understand that it's the HORRIBLE acts of the father that put them in this situation. So if they make an exception for this guy, where do they stop making exceptions? People need to stop blaming others for their problems...those family members should look at that father and tell him what a worthless peice of poo he is for doing this kind of thing to his daughter. It's 100% the father's fault. Not the system, not the lawyer, not the jury, it's all the father's fault. No one should blame anyone but him.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I 100% agree with you LB.

Sure, you feel for the dying girl, but you have to understand that it's the HORRIBLE acts of the father that put them in this situation. So if they make an exception for this guy, where do they stop making exceptions? People need to stop blaming others for their problems...those family members should look at that father and tell him what a worthless peice of poo he is for doing this kind of thing to his daughter. It's 100% the father's fault. Not the system, not the lawyer, not the jury, it's all the father's fault. No one should blame anyone but him.

Well, I couldn't find it in the article. I know it was drug related, but I'd like to know what exactly he did that was HORRIBLE.

LB, I hope you don't think I was trying to put you on the spot with this thread.