Studies of the effects of maternal incarceration consistently emphasize the trauma of abrupt separation from children, difficulties in finding and maintaining secure alternative care arrangements for children, social and emotional stress experienced by both mothers and children during separation, and lack of counseling for pregnant inmates. Working with inmate parents at the Federal prison in California has clarified three critical needs: (1) supportive contact visiting between inmate parents and their children is essential; (2) children need help in the community in the absence of parents; and (3) parents need assistance in better understanding their children. The model program at the California facility includes a children's center, supportive social services, training for inmates in parenting and early childhood education, and the Reading Is Fundamental Program. The program has been developed with full participation of inmates and has been staffed and administered by appropriate professionals in the community. Program design and implementation are described, and the importance of adequate program funding and evaluation is noted. An appendix contains additional information on other programs in Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, and Washington that address issues and problems associated with maternal imprisonment. 17 references and 9 photographs