NCJ Number
116968
Journal
Research Update Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1987) Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The children of female inmates raise serious problems for the criminal justice system.
Abstract
A number of studies suggest that such children may be at increased risk of later delinquency and criminality. In addition to posing problems relating to the children's living arrangements, maternal incarceration may adversely affect parenting and bonding, which may, in turn, play an important role both in the rehabilitation of female inmates and the healthy development of their children. The issue of reunifying parents and children after incarceration was addressed in the Adoption and Assistance and Welfare Act of 1980, which mandates that children remain with their parents whenever possible and that reunification with natural parents be the primary goal of foster placement. In California, two public programs provide services for incarcerated mothers and their children. The Mothers and Infants program includes 4 homes that permit 32 inmate mothers to live with their 37 children in community-based facilities. Prison MATCH at the Federal Institution in Pleasanton is a four-part program consisting of a children's center in which mothers can spend weekend days with their children; a community college program that teaches inmates how to work with their families; a children's reading program; and a support service system that helps with custody, crisis intervention, and foster care. A recent study and lawsuits pending in the State have raised additional issues concerning the rights and needs of pregnant inmates and their unborn children. 10 references.