NCJ Number
196567
Date Published
February 2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper presents findings from a National Institute of Corrections survey of State and Federal departments of corrections (DOCs) to determine what services they offer for families of prison inmates.
Abstract
The California DOC has a special division, Programs for Inmate Mothers, which reunites eligible women with their children aged 6 years or younger. A Florida statute requires the availability of the standardized parenting curriculum for female offenders and opportunities for the enhancement and continuation of mother and child relations. The Indiana DOC recently established the Family Preservation Program, which includes parenting education and support for expectant mothers and for parents of children up through their teenage years. The Kansas DOC has created the Women's Activity and Learning Center, where inmate mothers learn parenting skills to practice in extended visits with their children. DOC's that address the special needs of pregnant inmates and mothers of infants and small children focus on housing alternatives as well as parenting skills. Three agencies reported space designed or designated for overnight visits for inmates' children. Overall, survey responses confirm that correctional agencies are commonly providing family programs to reduce the stresses of separation and to build support systems for inmates who are re-entering the community after release. Through a range of parent-child programs, DOC's are encouraging the healthy relationships that are important for providing stability and breaking cycles of crime. A table shows State-by-State and Federal Bureau of Prisons provision of parenting and parent-child programs in men's and women's prisons.