NCJ Number
241702
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 39 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2012 Pages: 1063-1074
Date Published
August 2012
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study explores perceptions of the prison nursery as a form of correctional programming.
Abstract
As more pregnant women are incarcerated, States are forced to determine the most cost-efficient methods of addressing childbirth and motherhood in prison. Traditionally, newborn babies are removed from the prison setting, and their mothers, within a few days. Research shows that women who are allowed to keep their babies with them in the correctional setting have reduced recidivism rates. This study explores perceptions of the prison nursery as a form of correctional programming. Correctional administrators from all 8 States currently operating nursery programs were interviewed, as were administrators from 20 States that do not have prison nurseries (N = 28). Findings indicate that barriers to the implementation of prison nursery programs include a lack of knowledge about these programs and the impact they have on recidivism rates, concerns about legislative budgeting given current economic conditions, and for a small number of administrators, the consequences of housing infants within the prison environment. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.