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Prisons and Kids

NCJ Number
90357
Author(s)
J Boudouris
Date Published
1983
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This report is a survey of programs for incarcerated mothers and their children in 55 correctional institutions in all 50 States, representing a total population of 14,610 women. The scientific literature on this topic is also reviewed.
Abstract
The programmatic options that might be available for male and female inmates are discussed as continua within the major divisions of the child, the inmate, and the family. Options range from classes for inmates, available in almost 90 percent of the institutions; to prison nurseries, available in only one institution; to penal colonies. Study conclusions are that for humanitarian and moral reasons, more can be done for inmates' children and their families, but which options are selected depend upon the availability of funds and characteristics of the particular case. No scientific research has been done to prove that having children in correctional institutions is either good or bad for the children, inmates, or the institution. Reasons for discontinuing prison nurseries have been administrative, organizational, or political. Moreover, a valuable retrospective study could be conducted of former prisoner-mothers and the children who lived with them in correctional institutions in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Greater use of a statute such as the one in Iowa, which authorizes the use of work release for incarcerated mothers and fathers to care for their children and families should be considered. A total of 48 references and survey data are included. (Author summary modified)