NCJ Number
127811
Date Published
1990
Length
71 pages
Annotation
Seven parenting programs at the Connecticut Correctional Institution in Niantic (CCIN) have the goal of maintaining and strengthening the bond between incarcerated mothers and their children.
Abstract
The CCIN is the only prison for women in Connecticut. The first parenting program in recent times began at this facility in 1983. The program was initiated by a group of institutional and community representatives to help mothers learn to play creatively and cooperatively with their children. As other parenting programs evolved at Niantic, it became increasingly clear that coordination between programs and additional programs were needed to provide comprehensive services. The seven programs at Niantic are Mothers' Support, Community Services, Extended Family Visits, Sesame Street, Parent Education, Creative Arts, and Parenting Volunteer Services. Qualitative data demonstrate that Niantic parenting programs have been successful in offering women and their children an opportunity to visit and communicate with each other in positive ways. Mothers are helped to maintain the bond with their children through visits, communication with children's caregivers on the outside, and talking and reminiscing about the children in groups. Positive program benefits, however, have not reduced the mother's chances of returning to prison. Additional research is recommended to address factors that help or hinder a woman's successful return to the community. 12 references and 6 tables