Joining Incarcerated Mothers With Their Children - Evaluation the Lancaster Visiting Cottage Program

• NCJ Number: 105811
• Author(s): A M Rocheleau
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 148 pages
• Corporate Author: Massachusetts Dept of Correction
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report describes and evaluates the first year's operation of an innovative program implemented by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections -- the Lancaster Visiting Cottage program.

Abstract

The Lancaster facility offers a fully equipped, 3-bedroom trailer in which incarcerated mothers can have extended visits with their children. It was hoped the program would help these families maintain and re-establish close ties and help prepare the mothers for release into the community. During 1985, 111 extended visits took place between 30 inmate mothers and their 51 children. Most visits occurred on weekends and lasted 2 nights. Participants averaged one visit every 42 days. Although the program was implemented as planned, participation rates did not reach the expected levels, although no single reason was found to account for this lower level of participation. 15 tables and 49 references. (Author abstract modified)