NCJ Number
168058
Editor(s)
M Sutton
Date Published
1996
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This film presents the perspectives of incarcerated mothers, children of female inmates, corrections officials, and advocacy groups on the impacts of mothers' incarceration on themselves and their children and suggests more effective responses to preserve both public safety and families.
Abstract
The discussion notes that two-thirds of incarcerated women have children, that the incarceration of women has increased by 300 percent in the last decade, that their incarceration is often for nonviolent offenses, and that 165,000 children have incarcerated mothers. Women are often incarcerated for drug offenses and drug-related crimes. Eighty percent were victims of abuse or came from families with problems with alcohol or other drugs. They need structure and abstinence and could accomplish these goals in community-based programs rather than in prison. The children of incarcerated mothers feel anxiety, guilt, shame, and fear. Their insecurity and instability resulting from foster placements can lead to adolescent pregnancy, violence, and their own incarceration. Half the inmate mothers do not see their children while they are in prison; incarceration often jeopardizes their parental rights. Both mothers and children need support when the mother is released. The mother needs a job and child care and often has difficulties reconnecting with their children.