NCJ Number
126790
Journal
Federal Prisons Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1989) Pages: 22,24-26
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Due to rapid changes in housing and living costs in Fairfield County, Connecticut, employees of FCI Danbury have experienced an increasing need for on-site child care services.
Abstract
A 1988 survey confirmed the perceived need for a child care center among the institution's staff, particularly as child care in the community was scarce and expensive. A formal proposal for an on-site program was developed for presentation to the Bureau of Prisons' Executive Staff; the proposal cited the high employee turnover rate and need to remain competitive as two of the reasons the day care center was needed. FCI Danbury researched legal parameters and Federal guidelines for child care centers. The proposal included funds for site preparation and building materials; labor was to be provided by inmates and staff and other costs would be included in the institution's operating budget. Construction of the center, due to be completed in February 1990, has taken about 18 months; there has been close cooperation between Danbury staff and State and local agencies. Furthermore, the institution has learned important lessons regarding employee confidence in the center, logistical issues, cost of service, and the center's financial self-sufficiency.