WOMEN'S PRISON ASSOCIATION AND HOME (FROM SOURCE BOOK CITIZEN ACTION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 1978, BY D W DENTON AND J SPITZ - SEE NCJ-56111)

• NCJ Number: 56121
• Author(s): Z A HENKIQUES
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 17 pages
• Corporate Author: University of Texas at Arlington
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE CHILDREN OF OFFENDERS PROJECT, ADMINISTERED BY THE WOMEN'S PRISON ASSOCIATION, AIMS TO PROVIDE SERVICES WHILE EXAMINING SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF CHILDREN ARISING FROM THE MOTHER'S DELINQUENCY AND HER LEGAL PROBLEMS.

Abstract

THIS REPORT DETAILS SERVICES PROVIDED TO CHILDREN OF MOTHERS INCARCERATED PRINCIPALLY IN THE WOMEN'S HOUSE OF DETENTION ON RIKER'S ISLAND (NEW YORK CITY), BEDFORD HILLS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN NEW YORK STATE, AND ALDERSON FEDERAL REFORMATORY IN WEST VIRGINIA. TWO CASES ARE EXAMINED: A MOTHER WHO LOST CONTACT WITH HER CHILD AFTER ARREST AND A WOMAN REQUESTING INFORMATION CONCERNING HER FIVE CHILDREN, PARTICULARLY HER 13-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. IN THESE CASES AS WELL AS IN OTHERS, TREATING CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED MOTHERS INVOLVES VISITS TO CHILDREN IN THEIR HOMES, CONTACTS WITH SCHOOL OFFICIALS, OBTAINING ADVICE FROM THE PROGRAM'S PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTANT, CLOSE CONTACT WITH AGENCIES PROVIDING CARE TO CHILDREN IN PLACEMENT, OBTAINING INFORMATION FOR MOTHERS TO CLARIFY THAT THEY STILL RETAIN LEGAL CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING INFORMATION TO MOTHERS CONCERNING THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS AS WELL AS LEGAL COURSES OF ACTION WHICH THEY CAN PURSUE RELATING TO CUSTODY, AND CONTACTS WITH MEDICAL FACILITIES. AMONG WOMEN STUDIED IN THIS REPORT, MOST WERE FOUND TO HAVE EXPERIENCED UNSTABLE AND UNHAPPY LIVING SITUATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN ILL TREATMENT OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN. IN SUCH CASES, REFERRALS ARE MADE TO AGENCIES WHICH HANDLE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN. AS A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT, THE FOLLOWING DEFICIENCIES IN SERVICES WERE IDENTIFIED: (1) THERE IS NO CENTRAL REGISTRY OF ALL CHILDREN WHO ATTEND NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS; (2) CERTAIN LAWS RESTRICT ACCESS TO A CENTRAL REGISTRY OF ALL RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; (3) ONLY INACTIVE CASES ARE LISTED ON THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF PATIENTS OF HEALTH CARE AGENCIES; AND (4) THERE IS NO MANUAL AVAILABLE TO NATURAL PARENTS WHICH EXPLAINS THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. STATISTICAL TABLES ACCOMPANY THE TEXT. (WJR)