NCJ Number
104551
Date Published
1986
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This Massachusetts model prison program for expectant mothers is designed to provide a positive environment, prevent the separation of mothers and infants, and actively assist these women in caring for their families and making the transition back to community living.
Abstract
On any given day, the facility at Framingham, Mass., houses an average of 11 to 14 pregnant women. From 1980 to 1985, two-thirds of all incarcerated pregnant women were diagnosed as high-risk for medical complications during pregnancy or delivery. The proposed model program would meet the needs of these women by offering drug rehabilitation comprehensive prenatal care, early intervention, and recovery services for 12 to 14 female inmates and their newborns within a highly structured and supportive community residence setting. Based on a therapeutic community framework, the program will offer an integrated and interdisciplinary team approach to assisting these women in strengthening nurturing skills and family ties. Experimental learning classes will incorporate hands-on learning and role-playing that focus on health and well-being, parenting, child development, motherhood and work, and arts and leisure. Scheduled evening activities will include support groups, community speakers, and other activities of interest or concern to residents. The program also will provide for family intervention, community service, re-entry, and a variety of release and referral options. The project operating budget is projected to be $350,000 to $400,000 per year.