The survey elicited information through the mailing of questionnaires to various government officials and other persons. Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Nations, and South America were included in the research effort. The survey indicated that while provincial prisons in Saskatchewan, Canada have been practicing private family visiting since 1968, it was not until recently that such programs were implemented in Federal institutions. The United States has formally allowed sexual activity on prison grounds since the 1960's. Programs in both countries emphasize the maintenance of family ties as their goal. Similarly, Mexico employs a system of policies and practices which are conducive to the maintenance of the family unit. Among the nations of Central America, conjugal association in prison is common. Only one Caribbean country for which information was obtained reported private visits conducive to sexual activity in prison. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 12 of the 13 South American nations, and 7 of these 12 currently operate conjugal association practices in prison. In general, many Latin American countries historically have supported conjugal visits in prison as a manifestation of the natural order of human existence. It is hypothesized that an important correlate and possible contributing cause associated with the implementation of conjugal association on prison grounds in Latin American countries is a strong Spanish cultural heritage. One table, 3 footnotes and 16 references are provided.