NCJ Number
166449
Date Published
1997
Length
38 pages
Annotation
The Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Program was designed as an enhanced visitation program for inmate mothers and their daughters in Maryland and primarily serves young, undereducated, unmarried, unemployed minority women.
Abstract
The program was originally named Girl Scouts Behind Bars. It is structured as a regular Girl Scout troop and has concluded its fourth year. Study data came from the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland; correctional records; and interviews with 35 mothers, 32 daughters, and 22 guardians who took part in the program. Results revealed that many of the mothers were convicted and incarcerated for multiple offenses. Most lived with their children prior to their incarceration and intended to reunite with them when released to the community. Both mothers and daughters experienced stress associated with their separation. The visitation patterns suggested that the mothers, daughters, and guardians were committed to maintaining the mother-daughter relationship during the incarceration period regardless of involvement in the Girl Scout programs. The program appears to be directed toward a particular inmate family unit, in which the mother, daughter, and guardian are sufficiently interested in the welfare of either the mother, the daughter, or their relationship to take part in such a program. Tables, notes, and 38 references