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WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN?WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? A Reappraisalofthe Childrenof Incarcerated Mothers inAmerica Barbara Bloom and David Steinhart *CCh National Council on Crime and Delinquency,
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WHY PUNISHTHE CHILDREN?A Reappraisal Ofthe Children ofIncarcerated Mothers in America
The National Council on Crime and Delin.quency, founded in I• 07, is a non-profitorganization committed to promoting crimi-nal justice strategies that are fair, humane,effective and economically sound.
National Council on Crimeand Delinquency
Headquarters Q#ice685 Market Street, Suite 620San Francisco, CA 94I05(4I5) 896-6223Fax (4I5) 896-5I09
Midwest 0• #ice6409 Odana Road,Madison WI 537I9(608) 274-8882Fax (608) 274-3ISI
East Coast Q#iceS.I. Newhouse Center at Rutgers I5 Wash-ington Street, Fourth Floor,Newark, NJ 07• 02(20I) 643-5805Fax (20I) 648-I275
Cover art by Nancy Battles
Designed and produced atSan Rafael Design by Jon Goodchild andRobin Benjamin
First Printing
Printed at Thompson Shore, USA
Special thanks to Marci Brown who assisted in the
research dgsign and conducted most ofth 254intervimvs
jbr this book. Ms. Brown, who is th 254jbrmgrPublic
In/brmation Directorfor the National Council on
Crime and Delinqu• ng, is currently an indgpgndent
public relations consultant in San Francisco.
NCCD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Peter Arnstein Richard MagatRetired Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick The Conservation Company
Dr. Michael R. Bernhard Dr. Henry McKinnellDean Medical Center Executive VP, Pfizer, Inc.
Allen F. Breed Dr. Norval MorrisCriminal Justice Consultant University ofChicago, School ofLaw
Lee P. Brown Katie NicholsCommissioner, NYC Police Department Cowles Charitable Trust
F. Willis Caruso Luther Orton, Esq.Chicago Housing Authority Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison
Noel Edlin, Esq. Susan Alexander PowersAttorney at Law Office ofthe DA, Kings County, NY
Alan Ellis, Esq. Hon. John T. RacanelliAttorney at Law Retired Justice, CA Court ofAppeals
Mathea Falco Bernard RapoportN.Y. Hospital, Cornell Medical Center Chairman, Am. Income Life Insurance
Patrick Hallinan, Esq. William H. RentschlerAttorney at Law Editor, The Rentschler Report
Robert J. Horn, Esq. Robert W. ReynoldsDetroit Edison AT&T Bell Laboratories
Tom Killefer Dennis SheehanFormer Chair and CEO, US Trust Co. NY. President, Axia, Inc.
Woodward Kingman DerrickThomasVan Strum & Towne, Inc. Professional Football Player
Michael P. Lane Kenneth G. WalshIllinois Department ofTransportation USTrustCompanyofNewYork
Ira Lipman Albert WellsPresident, Guardsmark, Inc. Abelard Foundation
Susanne Loftis Dr. Marvin E. WolfgangGuardsmark, Inc. Center for Studies in Criminology
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN?PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Sandra Barnhill,Executive DirectorAid to Imprisoned MothersAtlanta, GA
Ellen Barry,Executive DirectorLegal Services for Prisoners with ChildrenSan Francisco, CA
Meda Chesney-Lind,DirectorWomen's Studies ProgramUniversity ofHawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI
Jeanette Dille, ACSWRichmond, VA
Katherine Gabel,PresidentPacific Oaks CollegePasadena, CA
Barbara Greenberg,Executive DirectorThe Florence V. Burden FoundationNew York, NY
Willard J· Maxey,Executive DirectorMichigan Federation ofPrivate and Family AgenciesLansing, MI
Earl Stuck,Program DirectorChild Welfare League ofAmericaWashington, DC
Contents
Introduction II
CHAPTER I:
Profile ofa Disturbing Trend:More Women in Prison, More Children Adrift I3
CHAPTER 2:
Findings ofthis Study on theIncarcerated Women and Their Children I9
CHAPTER 3:
The Caregivers ofthe Children of
Incarcerated Women 30
CHAPTER 4:
Role and Responsibility of
Child Welfare Agencies 4I
CHAPTER 5:
Role and Responsibility ofCorrections 46
CHAPTER 6:A Policy Reform Agenda:Who Will Bring About Change? 57
CHAPTER 7:
Recommendations 62
APPENDIX
Programs forWomen Offenders and their Children 72
Bibliography 85
About the Authors 87
Introduction
• " N I978, THE NATIONALCOUNCILOnCrime andDelinquency (NCCD)
m published a study entitledWhy Punish the Children? The study
JL offered a comprehensive and critical view ofthe nation's treatment
ofchildren whose mothers were incarcerated in the nation's jails and
prisons. It documented a neglected and forgotten class ofyoung people
whose lives were disrupted and often damaged by the experience ofisola-
tion from their imprisonedmothers. Recommendations presented in
the studywere intended to focus attention on these children and their
needs.
The presentwork is a reassessment ofthe study published in I978.
The need for a current appraisalis sharpened by the fact that the incar-
ceration rate for female offenders has skyrocketed in recent years. This
has spurred unwelcome growth ofthe invisible class ofinfants, children
and teenagers who find themselves without a mother at home. While
new legions ofchildren are growing up separated from their mothers,
government agencies appearmore powerless than ever to attend to the
needs ofthe children, their mothers and their caregivers. Nowmore than
ever, we must renew our concern and define our commitment to these
children. This report offers an appraisal oftheir needs and a current
agenda for reform.
This effort was made possible by grants from the Florence V.
Burden Foundation, the San Francisco Foundation, theWallace A. Ger-
bode Foundation, the Van Loben Sels Charitable Trust, the AT&T Foun-
dation and the National Institute ofCorrections. The support ofthese
organizations is gratefully aclcnowledgedby the National Council on
Crime and Delinquency.
The recommendations were developed by NCCD in cooperation
with a project Advisory Committee. Members ofthe Advisory Commit-
tee include individuals with backgrounds in research, advocacy and ser-
II
vice delivery on behalfofincarcerated mothers and their children. Their
names and affiliations are listed on a separate page. NCCD is indebted to
these individuals for the time they have taken from busy schedules to
review study findings and recommendations and to oversee various
aspects ofthe project.
Additional thanks are offered to the incarcerated women and to the
caregivers, public agency personnel and community-agency staffpersons
who completed questionnaires and participated in interviews with the
NCCD staff. Their concern and cooperation made it possible to produce
the findings and recommendations ofthis report.
I2
Profile ofa Disturbing Trend:More Women In Prison,
More Children AdrifiPoliceforce their way into a suspected "crack house"in
Los Angeles County. Inside theyjind Monica M., age 19.
The only other occupants ofthe house are two children.
One is an infant about nine months old; the other is a boy
who appears to be about three. Monica, their mother, is
arrestedfor possession ofrock cocaine. She scrgams at the
ollicers and begs them not to take her away»m her chil-
dren. She is handculled and removed in apatrol car. The
police put in a calljbr a child protective services worker.
An hour later, a CPS worker arrives. She tries to calm
the children, who arejHghtened and in tears. She asks
neighbors where relatives might bejound but none can be
contacted. The children are driven to a county shelter. The
infant is immgdiatelyplaced in the custody Ofajosterjam-
ily. The small boy spends the night in the shelter and waits
whili social workers try to locate a grandmother. He does
not know when he will sge his mother again.
1|• 1• • *HIS ACCOUNT OF A MOTHER'S ARREST and separation from her
j• children is anall too frequent reality in America today. The
Jt United States has experienced a ten-year surge in the population
ofincarceratedwomen. In the shadowofthis trend has grown a genera-
tion ofchildren who are dislocated from their mothers.
Since I980, the number ofwomen in the nation's jails and prisons
has tripled. In I99I, there were approximately 87,000 women incar-
cerated in both types offadlities in the United States. Thoughwomen
still account for only 6 percent ofthe national prison population and
about Io percent ofthose in jail, their rate ofincrease in secure facilities
has far outpaced the rate ofincrease for males.
I3
CHAPTER ]
Most ofthese imprisoned women are mothers. The United States
Department ofJustice, Bureau oflustice Statistics (BIS) reported that
76 percent ofwomen prisoners in America were mothers in I986:
Nine out ofIO ofthese mothers had children under the age ofI8. Six out
often had more than one child. Similar findings were reported in a
national survey ofI,720 female inmates ofprisons and jails, conducted
by the American Correctional Association (ACA) in I987:
Some women are pregnant when incarcerated. The ACA survey
identified6percentoffemalesinprisonandzlpercentofthoseinjailswhowere pregnant when admitted. In NCCD's I992 survey ofjailed and im-
crime. Of56 students who were evaluated at one school, more than one-
fourth hadacurrently incarceratedmotheror father. The studyconcluded:
Children ofopndcrs arc traumatized by events rglating to parental
crime and arrest. These children experience or witn• ss prenatal drug
exposure, substance abuse in the home, violent arrests lincludingl the
forced removal ofthe parent»m the homt at arrest, gang activity
in thejamily, criminal acts, and/or the vioknt deaths Offamily
members, each ofwhich has been documented to produce traumatic
stress reactions in childhood.
Children ofollb:ders are more vulnerable as a result ofseparation
»m their parents. One role ofparents is to help children deal with
stressBI events and master trauma. When trauma involves parental
loss, children also lose their helper, and their ability to address and
master trauma is seriously impaired.
Children ofofenders exp• rience an inadequate quality Ofcare
due to extreme poverty. The childrm studied arc among the poorest
in the nation. In addition to contributing to multiple placements
and caregiver stress, this extreme poverty precludes the stable, nur-
turing home environment that children nced to survive garly traumas
without sequelae.9
Most children separated from their mothers after arrest go to live
with relatives, and most ofthese relatives are maternal grandmothers. In
the NCCD survey ofwomen inmates conducted in I99I-92, only I7 per-
cent ofthe children stayed with their father during the term oftheir
mother's incarceration. Children who were not cared for by a relative
were likely to be placed in foster care or in the custody off'riends.
In many cases, the caregivers ofthe children suffer significant
IG NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
financial setbacks. Laws in some states disallow foster care payments
to the relatives ofincarcerated mothers. While public interest lawyers
continue to challenge these payment restrictions, many relatives -
especially grandparents who are poor and out ofthe job market- find
that they cannot afford the cost ofcaring for the new children under their
roof. In some cases, even where there is an entitlement to AFDC and fos-
ter care benefits, relative caregivers may be wary ofthe legal maze they
must negotiate to qli• lif for financial aid.
Wherever the children go, the maternal relationship is jeopardized.
In some instances, the state terminates the mother's right to legal cus-
tody ofher children. Even where the mother retains legal custody, she
will have reduced and sometimes no contact with her children while she
is imprisoned. Some innovative correctional programs promote mother-
child contact and facilitate reunification upon release. But no program
can fully eliminate the sadness, anxiety and despair that children feel
when they are forced to adjust to their mother's imprisonment. In the
I978 NCCD study, McGowan and Blumenthal recounted the case study
ofAngela, who was I2 when her mother was arrested for selling heroin.
Interviewed at age I4, when her mother was about to be released from
prison, Angela said:
In the beginning I told some Ofthe kids my mother died. Then later
I changed my story. I told them she went away. "I thought you said
she died," they said. "I never said that." "Yes, you did," they said. I
was ashamed ofher then. I hatgd herfor being in prison. I hated me
and everybody....
But I'm a lot older now, or at least Ijeel I am. It's only been two
years. Well be together and se£ how it goes. {fit works outjine. Ifit
doesn't, well split up....Or maybe shell end up back injail. Or
maybe Ill md up injail. If she ends up in there again, though, I'm
not going to visit her. I've done my time with her. . . then she can go
to hcllfor all I care."
This vignette was but one ofseveral accounts documenting the
reactions ofvery young children, school age children and adolescents
to their mothers' incarceration. In all cases, the children suffered. Their
resiliency and ability to adjust to the experience were as different as the
circumstances and personalities ofeach child. As the I978 NCCD
study concluded,
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? I7
It is impossible to d• scribe how all children are allbcted by their
mothers' incarceration. The degree to which one child may be
injured by his mother's imprisonment will be determined by his age,
his personality, his prior relationship with his mother, thi type Of
care he receives while his mother is imprisoned, the length of time he
is separated»m his mother, and the opportunities he hasjor con-
tinuing contact with his mother or other signi/icant persons in his
lip. Children who are treated sensitively may experience thi incar-
ceration as only a briefseparation, not unlike that which might
occur (ftheir mothers went away on a trip or were hospitalized
bridy. For others, this experience may be only one in a l• /etime of
rejection and neglect. Andjor still others, it may be a very traumatic
experience with severe negative consequences in terms 254ftheirdivel-
opment andjitture well-being."
I8 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
Findings Ofthis Study Onthe Incarcerated Women
and Their Children
It's not only me who sull£rs, it's the kids too. My children
and myjamily were sentenced along with me.
-ANTONIA A., INTERVIEWED IN A STATE CORRECHONAL FACILGY WHERESHE IS SERVING A SIX-YEAR TO LIFE TERM FOR SELLING DRUGS.
• 1• NE OF NCCD's GOALS was to examine the current circum-• • stances ofthe children ofincarcerated mothers. Accordingly,
• we conducted a survey ofmothers in jails and prisons in
8 states and the District ofColumbia. The survey form consisted of
64 questions about each mother and her children. It included separate
sub-questionnaires for each child ofthe respondent (for as many as three
children). The survey forms were distributed to prisons and jails in
California, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois, Oklahoma,
Texas, Florida and Washington, DC.
Prison and jail administrators selected the respondents based on
very broad criteria for participation. The main requirements were that
women be informed ofthe purpose ofthe survey, that their participation
bevoluntary and thattheyhave atleast one child underthe age of I8.
Correctional administrators were also asked to provide ethnic balance
among participating women. In every other respect, selection ofrespon-
dents was left to the discretion ofcorrectional staff.
The survey was initiated in October ofIggI and all surveys were
returned to NCCD by May of I992. We received 439 usable responses
from the prisoner-mothers. Eighty percent ofthese women were in fed-
eral or state prisons while 20 percent were in local jails."The surveys
were coded and keypunched for automated tabulation and analysis. The
results ofthe analysis are discussed below.
wHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN• I9
CHAPTER 2
Othersurveyformsweredistributedtochildwelfareadministrators,private caregivers and community-based programs serving children of
incarceratedwomen. These other surveys are discussed in subsequent
chapters.
There are obvious limitations to this research design. Based on
the resources available, NCCD could notmount a comprehensive and
statistically rigorous national data collection effort. Tile sample was
not systematically randomized, and only 8 states and the District
ofColumbia are represented. Despite these limitations, the survey
responses are remarkably consistentwith the results oflarger surveys
ofwomen prisoners conducted by the U.S. Department oflustice (• 986,
I989) and the ACA (I987)·
Profile ofthe incarcerated mothers
The average age ofthe 439 mothers participating in the NCCD
survey was 30.9 years. Other characteristics ofthe jailed and imprisoned
women in the survey are shown in Tables 2-I through 2-5.
Tabl£ 2-1ETHNICITY OFINCARCERATED MOTHERS
African-American
Hispanic
White
Asian
Native American
Other
Number (434)
I69
69I46
3
33I4
Tabli 2-2MARITAL STATUS OF INCARCERATED MOTHERS
Never married
Married
Common-law
Divorced
Separated
Widowed
Number (432)
I42
8o
46785828
Percent
38.9I.9
33.60.7
7.63.2
Percent
32.9I8.5Io.6
I8.I
I3.46.5
20 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
The results ofthis survey in regard to ethnicity and marital status
are quite similar to those ofthe I987 ACA survey offemale offenders,
even though this sample is limited to just those who are mothers. Most
were women ofcolor. Less than 20 percent ofthe inmate-mothers in this
sample were married.
Table 2-3 shows education, employment, welfare and income status
ofthe women in the survey at the time oftheir arrest.
Table 2-3EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, WELFARE ANDINCOME STATUS OF INMATE MOTHERS
EDUCATION (highest completed)
8th grade or less
Grades 9 -IIHigh school graduate
College graduate
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employed
Not employed
WELFARE STATUS
On AFDC
Not on AFDC
ANNUAL INCOME
Under $Io,000
SIO,000 -25,000
Over $25,000
Number*
4885
I46
46
I5I
278
I4720I
I757624
35·264.8
Percent
* Number ofresponses to each question varies. Percentages shown arepercentages ofthose responding to each question.
42.2
57.8
II.3
43.4
34.3Io.8
63.627.68.9
The majority ofthese women did not complete high school, were
unemployed and had incomes below $Io,000 per year. Nearly half
were receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
payments prior to their arrest. The low economic status ofthe women
in this study is a finding that is consistent with the findings ofother
studies ofincarcerated women in America, as referenced in the previ-
ous chapter.
- 036....... ......
wHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 2I
Table 2-4 documents high rates ofphysical, sexual and substance
abuse within the study population.
Table 2-4HISTORY OF PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE ANDSUBSTANCE ABUSE OF INCARCERATED MOTHERS
Physical abuse at some time
Sexual abuse at some time
Regular use ofalcohol or drugs
Number*
207
I60
267
Percent
52.8
4L7
64.5* Numbers reflect multiple responses to questions regarding difTerent typesofabuse. Percentages represent those with affirmative responses for each typeofabuse.
The offense profile ofthe women in the NCCD survey sub-
stantiates the observationthatincreasingly,American correctionalfacili-
ties arebeingfilled with female drug offenders. Table 2-5 shows that
nearly 40 percent ofall the mothers participating in this survey were
incarcerated for a drug offense. The next most frequent reason for
incarceration was a felony property offense. Fifteen percent were
sentenced for a serious felony against the person, including homicide
042Both the corrections and child welfare systems, in cooperation
with the juvenile or family court, should take steps to ensure that incar-
cerated mothers have access to legal information and representation
which may be necessary to assert rights or entitlements related to
family reunification.
F. The responsibilityfor change must be acknowledged and
accepted by policymakers, including lawmakers,judges and cor-
rections and wegare administrators, at thefederal, state and
local levels.
042Lawmakers, whose tough sentencing laws have contributed to
the sharp rise in the number ofimprisoned mothers, should now
acknowledge the needs ofthe children ofincarcerated mothers.
Lawmakers can do this by learning about the circumstances of the chil-
dren, their mothers and their caretakers; by supporting community-
based programs for qualified prisoner-mothers; and by compelling
appropriate responses from corrections and child welfare systems.
042Executive branch leaders, including governors and agency chiefs
at the state level, must take action to support the development ofnon-
institutional programs for incarcerated mothers and their children .
042Judges and judicial organizations should evaluate state and fed-
eral sentencing laws and guidelines and should furnish law and policy-
makers with recommendations on sentencing reform and alternative
programs for women offenders with young children.
042Federal grants programs should be established by the Congress
to encourage the implementation ofalternative-to-incarceration pro-
grams for mothers with children as well as programs and services for
imprisoned mothers and their children. This could be started as a
demonstration grant program ofthe National Institute ofCorrections.
68 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
G. Ajocused and sustainedpublic education 254#ortis nieded to
ensure that theproblems ofthe children ofincarcerated mothzrs
are more universally acknowledged and understood, especially by
decisionmakers in correctional and wegare agencies, and by legis-
lators and otherpolicymakers who can change policy to meet the
children's needs.
042Private foundations and government agencies should be encour-
aged to learn more about the needs of children who are victimized by
the experience ofparental incarceration, so that they can be responsive
to related funding and policy proposals.
042Commissions and Task Force groups should be established
nationwide to ascertain the special needs of incarcerated women and
their children, to draft state and local plans for reform and to imple-
ment those plans.
042Policymakers at the highest levels ofgovernment- including
lawmakers, administrators and judges - need to be educated about the
circumstances ofincarcerated women and their children as a founda-
tion for re-prioritizing programs and policies affecting these women
and children.
042Advocacy and service organizations should consider and adopt
position statements which recognize the needs ofchildren ofincarcerat-
ed mothers and which endorse suitable program and policy responses.
042Multiple public education strategies - including public hear-
ings, conferences, panel discussions and editorials and op-ed pieces for
broadcast and print media - should be employed to increase national
public awareness about the children ofincarcerated mothers.
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDRENP 69
Footnotes
I. BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS, "Special Report on Women in Prison" (USDepartment ofJUstice), I99I.
2. AMERICAN CORRECnONAL AsSOCIATION, Th 254Female Q#2nder: What Does th 254Future Hold? (I990). The ACA survey found that 79 percent ofthe adult womeninmates surveyed were mothers; that 60 percent had more than one child; and that72 percent still had legal custody oftheir children while imprisoned.
3. Daniel LeClair, "The Incarcerated Female Offender: Victim or Villain:'MASSACHUSEITS DIVISION OF CORRECTION, Research Division, I99O.
4. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECRONS, "California Prisoners andParolees," I99O
5. The estimate of • .5 million is reported bythe CENTER FORTHE CHILDREN OFINCARCERATED PARENTS, Report No. 6, "Children ofOffenders," citing other researchincluding BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS, "Correctional Populations in the UnitedStates;'Washington, DC, I989.TheestimateoftheCaliforniapopulationofchildrenofincarcerated parents is based on the Center's own research.
6. These counts are drawn from the BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS surveys ofWomen in Prison (published in I99I) and Women in Jail (published in I992).
7. This estimate is based on percentages ofincarcerated women with childrenunder I8 and on other data from the BJS surveys ofprisons and jails and from datadeveloped in the NCCD survey of439 women prisoners conducted in I992 for thisstudy.
8. There is a disturbing correlation between parentalincarceration and subse-quent incarceration oftheir children. THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION sur-vey offemale offenders reported that 48 percent ofadult female and 64 percent ofjuvenile female offenders had other family members who had been incarcerated.For female juvenile offenders in the ACA survey, 44 percent had mothers or fathersthat had been incarcerated.
9. CENTER FOR CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS, "Report No. 6, Children ofOffenders," Pacific Oaks College, I992.
Io. Brenda McGowan and Karen Blumenthal, Why Punish tha Children?,NCCD (I978), PP. 33-34·
IL Ibid., pp. 52-53·I2. The institutions participating in the survey were the following: Federal
Correctional Institution at Pleasanton (CA); Central California Women's Facility(CA); Sybil Brand Institute (Los Angeles, CA); Mira Loma Jail (CA); San FranciscoCounty Jail (CA); Florida Correctional Institution (FL); Dwight Correctional Center(IL); Shakopee Correctional Facility (MN); Bedford Hills Correctional Facility (NY);Eddie Warrior Correctional Center (OK); State Correctional Institute at Waynesburg(PA); Gatesville Unit, Texas Department ofCorrections (TX); Minimum SecurityFacility- Lorton (VA, serving Washington, DC).
I3' These assigned sentence averages were calculated exduding IO lifesentences.
70 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
I4. Each respondent was asked in a separate question how many children shehad. Then each was instructed to complete sub- questionnaires for up to threeminor children. Women with more than three minor children were asked to com-plete sub-questionnaires for the oldest, the youngest and one in-between.
I5. Because the caregiver survey sample group was small, response percent-ages for the sub-groups ofchildren's problems included in this table must beaccepted with caution. Nevertheless, NCCD confirmed in interviews with womenprisoners and caregivers that some prisoners offered more positive perceptions oftheir children's well-being than did caregivers ofthe same children.
I6. Dr. Lenora Madison Poe, Black Grandparents as Parents, Berkeley(I992), p. IO.
I7. Ibid., p. 82.I8. Cited in George Kiser, "Female Inmates and their Families," FEDERAL PRO-
BATION, September (LV:3), I99I, p. 6I.I• . Lapointe, Pickett and Harris, "Enforced Family Separation: A Descriptive
Analysis ofSome Experiences ofChildren ofBlack Imprisoned Mothers," in Spencer,Allen: Beginnings: The Social and Ajective Dev£lopment of-Black Children, I985.
20. Kiser, op. cit., P. 60.2I. Poe, op. cit., p. 84·22. Paula Dressel and Sandra Barnhill, "Three Generations At Risk" (unpub-
lished manuscript), AID TO IMPRISONED MOTHERS, Atlanta, GA, I99I.23. A telephone survey ofchild welfare agencies in 50 states by the CALIFORNIA
ASSEMBLY OFFICE OF RESEARCH in July, I987 determined that 43 states had foster carepayment programs that provided equal benefits to relative and non-relativecaregivers while seven states did not. The seven states that failed to allow relativecaregivers equal access to foster care benefits were California, Colorado, Hawaii,Oklahoma, Oregon, Maryland and Washington.
24. Lipscomb v. Simmons, 884 Fed.2d I242 (I989).25' Ellen Barry, "Reunification Difficult for Incarcerated Parents and their
Children," in Youth Law News, July-August, I985.26. Brenda McGowan and Karen Blumenthal, Why Punish th8 Children?,
NCCD (I978), pp. I2-I3, I7-I9.27. Quoted in Paul LaRosa, "Babies Behind Bars," New York Timts, May I2,
I992, p. E-4.28. Quoted in Julie Lays, "Babies Behind Bars," State Legislatures Magazine,
May Iggi, p. 45·29. Quoted in McGowan and Blumenthal, op. cit., and drawn from Kathryn
Wattereson Burkhart, Womin in Prison, New York: Doubleday, I973, PP· 398-9930. H.R. 5269 inthe IoIst Congress, which failedpassageandwasreintroduced
as HR 2726 in the Ioind Congress, both by Representative Washington ofTexas.
wHY PUNISH THE CHILDRENP 7I
T'h£following appendix contains descriptions ofcurrently available programs
forwom 254nofnders, th 254irchildrenand thz caregivers ofthi children. While an
don was made to indude some ofth 254best-known programs, the list is not
intended to serve as a complete and universal listing ofall such programs in thi
United States. Th 254reader is advised that there may be changes inprogram
content, pgrsonngl or othirprogram infbrmation occurring afterthipublica-
Non date ofthis book.
A. INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS
Prison Nurseries
Parent-Child Visitation and Support
B. COMMUN• TY- BASED PROGRAMS
Residential ProgramsNon-residential Programs
Advocacy and Family Support
Transitional Service Programs
Long-Term Foster Care
Legal Advocacy Organizations
72 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
AP PENDIX
Programs®r Women O#enders
And Their Children
A. INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS
The Bedford Hills Nursery andChildren's Center(New York)
Program Description:The Bedford Hills Nursery is the firstprogram ofits 1cind in the country. Mothersand their infants share a room on a specialfloor ofthe Bedford Hills Correctional Fa-cility hospital. Babies are born at a nearbyhespital and may remain with theirmothers at the prison nursery until theyare one year old or longer if themother'srelease is imminent. The Nursery pro-gram is closely tied to the parenting andchildren's center. A focus of the parent-ing program is teaching mothers to par-ent themselves so they willlead healthierlifestyles, thus enabling them to bettercare for their children. Mothers also par-ticipate in parenting courses. The Chil-dren's Center is available for weekdayand weekend visiting and is staffed byprisoners who receive training in earlychildhood education.
Clients Served:Women at Bedford Hills CorrectionalCenter who have babies while incarcerat-ed, and other prisoner mothers and theirchildren.
Contact:Sister Elaine Roulet, DirectorBedford Hills Children Center247 Harris RoadBedford Hills, New York I0507(9I4) 24I-3I00, Ext. 352
F,fi• GI-CE,19liffin91
L_a)12._:diPPort--.---- _
Children's Visitation Program (CVP)(Michigan)
Program Description:The Children's Visitation Program (CVP)is a project ofthe Michigan Council onCrime and Delinquency which providesmothers who are incarcerated at the ScottCorrectional Facility in Plymouth, Michi-gan, an opportunity to visit with theirchildren in a child-centered environmentThe goal ofthe program is to intervene inthe lives ofthe children by strengtheningtheir relationships with their mothers.Services include weekly support groupsand parenting classes.
Clients Served:Incarcerated mothers and their children.
Marilyn Marshall, CVP LiaisonScott Correctional Facility47500 Five Mile RoadPlymouth, Michigan 48I7O(3• 3) 459-7400
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 73
Al,1,1:NI )Ir
1
Pri.son. Ilurseries
M.A.T.CH.(Mothers and Their Children)(Texas)
Program DescriptionM.A.T.CH. is an educational contact visi-tation program for female prisoners in-carcerated at the Bexar County AdultDetention Center.
The program was modeled after thePrison MATCH Program at the FederalCorrectional Institution at Pleasanton,California. It strives to maintain andstrengthen parent-child relationships dur-ing incarceration ofthe mother.
Program services for the mothersindude advocacy, counseling, informa-tion and referral, support groups andeducational workshops. Facilitators fromthe community teach parenting skills,self-esteem building, child development,drug abuse prevention, domestic violenceprevention, healthcare, and GED.
The core of the program revolvesaround contact visiting between the mo-thers and their children, and the utiliza-tion ofparenting sldlls.
Community M.A.T.CH. providesongoing services to women upon theirrelease from jail. The program assistswomen in their transition back to theirfamilies and communities. Services in-clude advocacy, counseling, networking,and referrals. Community M.A.T.CH.also offers a support group for children.
The M.A.T.CH. programs are spon-sored by Bexar County Detention Minis-tries, Inc.
Clients Served:Incarcerated mothers and their children,and women who are released from jailand their children.
Contact:Juliana A. Perez, DirectorM.A.T.CH. 200 North ComalSan Antonio, Texas 78207(5I£) 270-6330
Rachel G. Cisneros, Program AssistantCommunity M.A.T.CH.2926 South PresaSan Antonio, Texas 782Io(5I2) 532-2909
Program Description:The M.I.L.K. Program is a unique ven-ture among Virginians for Child AbusePrevention, the community, VirginiaCorrectional Centers and the prisonersthemselves. The program offers a multi-stage process including a four-part childdevelopment and a five-part parent edu-cation series, as well as quarterly extend-ed visits for prisoners and their children.Upon release from prison, M.I.L.K. par-ticipants are connected to support sys-tems in the community.
Additional program componentsinclude classes in self-esteem, stressmanagement and assertiveness training.
Clients Served:Incarcerated mothers and their children.
Contact:Johanna SchuchertVirginians for Child Abuse Prevention224 East Broad Street, Suite 302Richmond, Virginia 232I9(804) 7751777
Program Description.The goal ofthe MOLD Program is to fos-ter positive interaction between mothersincarcerated at the Nebraska Center forWomen and their children. Children stayin prison with their mothers on a regularmonthly basis for a five day period. Themother plans the activities that she andher child will engage in during the visit.The program has recently been expanded
74 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
to include incarcerated grandmothersand their grandchildren. Child develop-ment programs are offered to all womenon a voluntary basis.
Clients Served:Incarcerated mothers, grandmothers,and their children and grandchildren.
Contact:Mary Alley, CoordinatorMOLD ProgramNebraska Center for WomenRoute I, Box 33York, Nebraska 68467(402) 362-33I7
Prison MATCH ( Mothersand Their Children)(California)
Program Description:Prison MATCH began as a program formothers and their children at the FederalCorrectional Institution at Pleasanton inI978 and operated as a model programthere for ten years. It also served as amodel for the development of similarprograms in other states.
In I989, Prison MATCH left Pleasan-ton and has been operating a Children'sCenter at the San Frandsco County Jailin San Bruno. The Children's Center pro-vides a child-centered environment whereincarcerated parents can spend qualitytime visiting with their children. TheCenter is staffed by volunteers and boardmembers of Prison MATCH who haveextensive expertise in the areas ofearlychildhood education and family services.
Clients Served:The program's target group is an under-served population ofprimarily low-income prisoners and their children. Theprogram is used by both males anfennales.
Contact:Rose Weilerstein, President, Board ofDirectors Prison MATCHIo80 Miller Avenue
Berkeley, California 94708(Fo) 524-3942
Project IMPACT ( Inside MuncyParents and Children Together)(Pennsylvania)
Prol'gct Description.Project IMPACT is a nonprofit organiza-tion that provides services to incarceratedmothers at the State CorrectionalInstitution at Muncy, Pennsylvania. Thepurpose of the program is to strengthenthe relationship between incarceratedmothers and their children through posi-tive interaction.
There are three major components: I )visitation, 2) transportation, and 3 ) socialservices. The Children's Center offersprisoner mothers and their children aplace to visit in a comfortable home-likeenvironment. Transportation to theprison is provided for the children and anadult companion. Prenatal education,individual and parent discussion groups,and assistance with family reunification,children's caretakers, and child welfareagencies are also provided.
Clients Served:Incarcerated mothers and their children
Contact:Yvonne Bowersox Social Service CoordinatorProject IMPACTP.O. Box 493Muncy, Pennsylvania I775600) 546-30I, ext 397
T.A.L.K. (Teaching and Loving Kids)(Ca]ifornia)
Program Description:The T.A.L.K. program is a joint venturebetween the Correctional EducationDivision ofthe Hacienda La PuenteUnified School District and the LosAngeles County Sheriff's Department.The program enables incarcerated par-ents to visit in a relaxed child- centeredenvironment that encourages parentchild interaction.
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDRENP 75
T'he goal ofthe program is familyreunification with an emphasis on effec-tive parenting and enhanced communica-tion between incarcerated parents andtheir children. The program serves as astate and national model.
Clients Sen,6d:Incarcerated parents and their children atthe following Southern California jails:Mira Loma Women's Facility, Mira LomaMen's Facility, Sybil Brand Institute, andPeter J Pitchess Honor Ranch.
Contact:Doris Meyer, CoordinatorCorrectional Education DivisionHall of Justice2II West Temple Street, Room 808Los Angeles, California 900I2(2I3) 974-5096
The Women's Activities andLearning Center (WALC)(Kansas)
Program Description:The Women's Activities and LearningCenter (WALC) is a program operated bythe Kansas Department of Corrections at
the Topeka Correctional Facility whichhelps maintain the mother-child bond byhelping inmates increase parentingskills, enhance family relationships andincrease self-esteem.
The WALC program originated fromthe Prison MATCH (Mothers and TheirChildren) program in California and thePATCH ( Parents and Their Children) atthe Chillicothe Correctional Faciliiy inMissouri. The center's visiting area pro-vides a home-like setting for children tovisit their incarcerated mothers separatefrom the institution's main visiting area.During the visits inmates and their chil-dren are able to cook meals, and play intheir rooms or in the recreation area.
Clients Served:Incarcerated mothers and their children
Contact:Gloria Logan, CoordinatorWomen's Activities and Learning CenterTopeka Correctional Facility8I5 SE Rice RoadTopeka, Kansas 66607(9I3) 296-7220
B. COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
ARC House/ARC CommunityServices, Inc.(Wisconsin)
Program Description.ARC House is a residential treatmentprogram for women offenders which alsoserves pregnant women and women withchildren up to age five. ARC House pro-vides a women-specific program whichaddresses chemical dependency, pastphysical and sexual abuse, dependentand abusive relationships, criminality,health problems, employment andmoney management needs, alternativeleisure time use, child abuse and parent-
ing skills, and child custody and othermother/child reunification issues. As analternative to prison, women workthrough a program of decreasing restric-tiveness and increasing privileges for suc-cessful transition to the communit:y.
Clients Served:Women awaiting trial, women sentencedto the program, women released earlyfrom prison and parole violators.
Contact:Karen Kinsey, Executive DirectorARC Community Services, Inc.900 John Nolen Drive, Suite I3OMadison, Wisconsin 537I3(608) 257-3628
76 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
.Reside.atiall jirograin.s
Community Alternatives forMothers In Prison (C.A.M.P.)(Minnesota)
Program Description:Community Alternatives for Mothers inPrison is a state mandated programwhich seeks to address the needs ofwomen prisoners at Shakopee prisonwho deliver babies while incarcerated.CA.M.P. is a collaborative effort betweenthree agencies: Minnesota CorrectionalFacility/Shakopee; Genesis II, an inten-sive day treatment program for womenin conflict with the law; and ReentryMetro, a residential program for womenoffenders.
Women receive individual counselingand parenting education. Women whodo not return to the institution receiveemployment assistance and help withidentifying appropriate housing. Thera-peutic day care is provided for the infantswhile the mothers are involved in dass-room instruction.
Clients Served.Pregnant prisoners and mothers andtheir infants.
Community Prisoner Mother Program( Mother-Infant Care Program)(California)
Program. Description:The Community Prisoner Mother Pro-gram is legislatively mandated and oper-ated by seven private providers undercontract with the California DepartmentofCorrections. These programs are locat-ed in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland,Fresno, Salinas, Los Angeles and SanDiego. Mothers and their young childrenlive together in small community-basedfacilities where mothers participate in
parenting classes, educational and voca-tional training, substance abuse counsel-ing, life ski]ls training, and employmentin the community. Child care is alsoprovided.
The program is divided into threephases ( Entry Phase, Program Phase,and Pre-Release Phase) allowing con-trolled but inaeased freedom outside thefacility.
Clients Served:Eligible pregnant and low securitywomen prisoners (sentenced to six yearsor less in state prison) and their childrenunder six years ofage.
Contact:Deborah Haffner, Program DirectorElizabeth Fry CenterI25I Second AvenueSan Francisco, California 94I22(4• 5) 68• -0430
Nola Gholson, Program DirectorTurning Point Fresno Mother/Infant
Program3547 SO. Golden State Blvd.Fresno, California 93725(209) 442-833I
Zale Neklason, Program DirectorVolunteers ofAmerica Brandon HouseI7• 6 East San Antonio StreetSan Jose, California 95Ii6(408) 258-3200
Harry Shim, Program DirectorVolunteers ofAmerica Oaldand East2344 East I5th StreetOakland, California 946OI(5• 0) 534-3I05
Joan Husby, Executive DirectorFriends Outside in Monterey CountyPrisoner Mother-Infant ProgramII6 E. San LuisSalinas, California 9390I(408) 758-942I
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 77
Thelma Brown, Administrative DirectorHouse of Uhuru8005 South Figueroa StreetLos Angeles, California 90003(2I3) 778-5290
Pat Seals, Program DirectorCalifornia Mother-Infant Program4997 Imperial AvenueSan Diego, California 92II3(6I9) 262-0868
Neil J. Houston House/SocialJustice for Women(Massachusetts)
Program Description:Neil J. Houston House is one ofthe firstcommunity programs for pregnant pris-oners in the United States. The programprovides substance abuse services forpregnant women who have been incar-cerated at the Massachusetts CorrectionalInstitution- Framingham who are withinI8 months ofparole. Women are trans-ferred to Houston House for intensiveperinatal care and substance abusetreatment.
The program indudes a IO monthresidential and I2 month outpatient after-care component. Program partidpantslearn parenting skills and prepare forsuccessful transition to their home com-munities with their babies. HoustonHouse continues to provide recovery ser-vices, assistance with family reunifica-tion, and medical care on an outpatientbasis, after women leave the residentialprogram.
aignts Served:Pregnant prisoners who are within I8months ofparole, and mothers and theirinfants.
Contact:Ruth Smith, Program DirectorSocial Justice for Women/Neil J. Houston House9 Notre Dame StreetRoxbury, Massachusetts 02II9(6I7) 445-3066
78 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
Mandela House(California)
Program Discription:Mandela House is a model residentialprogram for pregnant, drug- dependentwomen in Oakland, California. The pro-gram offers continuous therapy in drugtreatment and family counseling; childdevelopment and parenting skills train-ing; nutritional and prenatal workshops.The program also provides perinatal ser-vices for the women and pediatric carefor their babies.
Clients Served:Drug-dependent women and theirinfants
Contact:Minnie Thomas, Executive DirectorSolid Foundation, Inc.3723 HillviewOakland, California 94605(5I0) 482-32I7
The Program Center/The Programfor Female Offenders(Pennsylvania)
Program Description:The Program Center provides supervisedresidential services for women and theirchildren, emphasizing parenting educa-tion, life skills training. GED preparationand vocational training. A case manage-ment approach brokers mental health,substance abuse treatment and children'sprograms.
Clignts Served:Women awaiting trail, offenders sen-tenced to the program, and county andstate parolees and their children.
Program Description:Re-entry Metro is a residential communi-ty corrections center for women with chil-dren referred by local, state, and federalcourts and corrections agencies.Intensive client assessment, counseling,goal planning, and group work are de-signed to encourage women to make reallife changes. Support groups focus onparenting education, domestic violence,sexual abuse, selfesteem, money man-agement, and the special issues ofwo-men of color.
Re-Entry Metro udlizes an extensivenetwork ofcommunity resources foroffenders and brokers services such ashealthcare, substance abuse treatment,job training and placement, and educa-tion (see also Community Alternativesfor Mothers in Prison).
Clignts Served:Women awaiting trial, oKenders sen-tenced to the program, and pregnantprisoners from Minnesota CorrectionalFacility/Shakopee
Program Description:Summit House is a community-basedresidential alternative to prison for preg-nant women and mothers who have beenconvicted ofnon- violent offenses. Ahighly structured and closely supervisedprogram oftherapeutic intervention andservices, including individual and groupcounseling, substance abuse counseling,and I2-step programs such as NarcoticsAnonymous. Udlizing local agencies andeducational institutions, the program
addresses life issues such as parenting,health, addiction, family relationships,employment and social skills.
Clients Served:Pregnant women and mothers convictedofnonviolent offenses and their children.Referrals are accepted from the courts,corrections, parole and attorneys forclients who need a structured programand who may not be eligible for other lessrestrictive options such as home confine-ment or intensive probation supervision.
Contact:Karen V. Chapple, Exicutive DirgaorSummit House608 Summit Avenue, Suite I03Greensboro, North Carolina 27405(9I9) 275-9366
Volunteers of America's Mothers,Infants Together (MINT)gexas)
Program Description:In cooperation with the Federal Bureau ofPrisons and the court system, VolunteersofAmerica operates this program forpregnant prisoners. The program teachesparenting and health awareness, and promotes mother/infant bonrling•
The program begins in the late stagesofpregnancy and can continue throughthe third month after birth. Women whoare pregnant when they begin their sen-tences are housed in a residential facilityin Forth Worth, Texas. Mothers are givenindividual counseling, complete prenataland postpartum care as well as exerciseand information about nutrition.
Clients Served:Pregnant prisoners and their newborninfants
ARC Center for Women and Children/ARC Community Services(Wisconsin)
Program Description:ARC Center for Women and Children isa community-based, women's specific,alcohol and drug abuse day treatmentprogram with services specifically for thechildren ofthe mothers served, includingon-site child care for up to fifteen chil-dren 0-5 years of age, community childcare placement, mother and child obser-vation or "Mom and Me" sessions, par-enting for the mothers, substance abuseprevention services for the children, andhealth education services for prenatal andpostpartum care. The program is thestate demonstration pilot for the develop-ment ofa comprehensive, innovativesubstance abuse treatment programspecifically for women.
clients Served:Pregnant women are given priority, butany woman with a substance abuse prob-lem and her children may attend.
Contact:Karen I<insey, Executive DirectorARC Community Services, Inc.900 John Nolen Drive, Suite I30Madison, Wisconsin 537I3(608) 257-3628
Genesis 11 for Women, Inc.(Minnesota)
Program Description:Genesis II for Women, Inc. is a private,nonprofit agency which provides compre-hensive services to women and their chil-dren in a community-based setting.Services include: counseling, individualand group therapy, childhood sexualabuse therapy, prostitution group, chemi-cal health, African American and Native
80 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
American Women's support groups; par-enting education; adult education, GEDpreparatio.n, career development, inde-pendent living skills; childrens' center,developmental daycare and school-ageprogram for children (see alsoCommunity Alternatives for Mothers inPrison).
Clients Served:Women offenders involved in the crimi-nal justice system and referred by proba-tion officers, atorneys and other profes-sionals; women involved with the childwelfare system and referred by child pro-tection workers, attorneys and other pro-fessionals; infants, toddlers, pre-schooland school-aged children ofthe womenreceiving services at Genesis I I.
Contact:Sheryl Hayward-Beagle,Executive DirectorGenesis II for Women, Inc.3036 University Avenue S.E.Minneapolis, Minnesota 554IZI(6I2) 348-2762
Advocacy andFanfly Surport
Aid to Imprisoned Mothers, Inc. (AIM)(Georgia)
Program Description:Aid to Imprisoned Mothers (AIM) is acommunity-based nonprofit organizationwhich assists inmate mothers, their chil-dren and family members. The missionofthe agency is to preserve and strength-en the family by diminishing the impactofincarceration on the mother-cliildbond. AIM's model of service is intergen-erational. Often a mother's imprison-ment puts three generations at risk; themother herself, her children and thegrandparents who so often become thechildren's caretakers.
AIM concentrates its efforts in twoareas: (I) advocacy/education and (2)
F-
Non-R 254sic: 254:itial Pri:)g,peii.3,S
for Incarcerated Mothers," and "Jails andJustice: A Handbook for IncarceratedWomen." These manuals assist womenas they strive to become empowered byproviding critical information on parentalrights and responsibilities, and byexplaining the criminal justice systemand listing programs and options in theMetro Atlanta area which serve as alterna-tives to incarceration. AIM also dissemi-nates information on public benefits andsocial services to children's caretakers.
In the area of family support, theagency provides free transportation to thewomen's prison once a month, recre-ational and educational activities for chil-dren, including a week long summercamp and an after school tutorial duringthe academic year. Also provided aremonthly support groups for children ofimprisoned mothers and their caretakers.
Clients Served:Inmate mothers, their children and familymembers
Contact:Sandra Kay Barnhill, DirectorAid to Imprisoned Mothers, Inc.6IEighth Street, NEAtlanta, Georgia 30309(404) 88I-829I
The Center for Children ofIncarcerated Parents(Pacific Oaks College and Children'sPrograms) (California)
Program Description:The Center for Children of IncarceratedParents was created for purposes ofim-proving documentation on and demon-strating model services for children ofoffenders. The mission ofthe center isthe reduction and preventiod of secondgeneration incarceration.
The Center's program has four majorcomponents. Tile Information Compo-nent serves the community's need forinformation, program development anddocumentation. The Education Compo-
nent serves the needs ofincarcerated andex-offender parents. The Family Reunifi-cation Services Component serves theneeds offamilies in the aiminal justicesystem, while the Therapeutic Compo-nent serves the needs ofoffenders'children.
Contact:Denise Johnston, M.D., DirgctorCenter for Children ofIncarcerated Parents7I4 West California BoulevardPasadena, California 9II05g#8) 3971396
Grandparents as ParentsSupport Group(California)
Program Description:Grandparents as Parents is a supportgroup for grandparents who are fu]1-timecaregivers oftheir grandchildren. Thegroup shares and explores concerns,experiences, and information. Topics ofdiscussion indude the reasons whygrandchildren are placed with grandpar-ents (i.e., social service placements,mother's incarceration. teen motherswho live with their parents, etc.).
In addition, issues such as the effectsofdrug abuse, sexual, physical, and emo-tional abuse, and medical problems arediscussed. Guest speakers are invited toaddress the support group on a range oftopics including drug affected babies,legal guardianship, child protective ser-vices, financial issues, and available sup-port services.
aients Served:Most are maternal grandparents who arethe primary caregivers for their grand-children.
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 8I
ContactLenora Madison Poe, Ph.DGrandparents as Parents2034 Blake Street, Suite #IBerkeley, California 94704(5• 0) 845-7r[89
Transi.1 9.Oi.-. 31 32 rViceP.nlgi-3 nlE
Prison Ministries with Women, Inc.(Georgia)
Program Description:Prison Ministries with Women, 1nc. wasestablished as a bridge for women pris-oners to ease their release from prisonand their re- entry into the "free world."Prison Ministries for Women is the onlyorganization in Georgia and one of thefew in the nation that specializes transi-tion services for ex-prisoner women and
Helen B. Ratcliff House their children. Once released, women are(Washington) offered individual counseling, informa-
Program Description tion and referral services. and directThe Helen B. Ratcliff House is a combi- assistance with food, clothing, householdnation work/Training Release and Pre- items, rent, utilities, and transportation.Release Facility for women co-sponsored Alcohol and drug treatment is also madeby the Washington State Department of available.Corrections and Pioneer Human Ser- Prison Ministries for Women alsovices. The Ratcliff House program facili- operates two transitional residences; onetates transition from the highly struc- which provides housing for homelesstured environment of an institution to newly-released women, and the otherindependent living upon return to the which provides affordable housing forcommunity. employed women and their children.
The program helps residents to foster Clients Served.skills and attitzides that will contribute to Women ex-prisoners and their childrentheir personal growth. In addition to Contact:employment readiness and placement, Barbara Gifford, Directorongoing groups deal with self-esteem Prison Ministries with Women, Inc.building through life skills and anger P.O. Box I9IImanagement training. Substance abuse Decatur, Georgia 3003I-I• I Icounseling and I<-Step programs are (404) 622-43:[4offered, as well as health care classes andrecreational activities.
The Helen B. Ratcliffprogram also Wonlencare, Inc.facilitates residents' reunification with (New York)their children, and offers parenting classes Program Description:and overnight visits with their children. Womencare, Inc. is an advocacy/mentor-
Clients Served: ing program for mothers released fromWornen offenders who are eligible for New York state prisons. Volunteer men-work/training or pre-release, and their tors develop a trusting relationship, pro-children up to I 2 years of age. vide encouragement and a support sys-
Contact: tem for mothers and their children dur-Tony Fuoco, Director ing the transition back to their communi-Helen B. Ratcliff House ties. Services include family reunifica-I53I-I3th Avenue hon, identification of communitySouth Seattle, Washington 98I44 resources, referrals to housing. social ser-(206) '720-3005 vices, job training and placement.
82 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
Clients Served:Women prisoners who are within 90days of release
Contact:Eileen Hogan, Executive DirectorWomencare, Inc.236 W. 27th StreetNew York, New York IOOOI(2I2) 463-9500
My Mother's House(New York)
Program Description:My Mother's House is the only long-termfoster care home in the country that catersspecifically to the children of incarceratedmothers. It opened seven years ago aspart of the Providence House network inNew York, whose mission is to servewomen and children in need. Operatedby the Sisters of St. Joseph, My Mother'sHouse is a licensed foster care home usu-ally serving six children at any given time.
The goal ofthe program is to maintainthe bond between incarcerated mothersand their children. Most ofthe mothersserve their sentences at Bedford Hills orTaconic Correctional Facilities in BedfordHills, New York.
Clien.s Served:The program is licensed to serve six chil-dren who had a previous relationshipwith their mothers prior to her incarcera-tion. The age of the children ranges fromIo months to I9 yeais old.
Contact.Sister Teresa FitzgeraldMy Mother's House36-30 Izth StreetLong Island City, New York III06(7I8) 392-7734
• Legal Advocacy
«Organizeticns
Chicago Legal Aid to IncarceratedMothers, Inc. (CLAIM)(Illinois)
Program Description:Through public information and advoca-cy, CLAIM strives to promote programsand improve government practices tobenefit the children and families ofimprisoned mothers. CLAIM serveswomen in seven correctional centersthroughout the state of Illinois. Classesare offered on parental rights and respon-sibilities and criminal law. CLAIM alsoprovides legal representation to womenwith child custody problems and otherfamily law issues. Services for releasedwomen are also provided throughCLAIM's weekly support group, VisibleVoices. A Handbook for IncarceratedParents in Illinois offers useful informa-tion regarding parental rights, child cus-tody, legal guardianship and relatives ascaregivers, foster care, and visitation.
Clients Served:Imprisoned mothers, their children andfamilies
Contact:Gail T. Smith, Executive DirectorChicago Legal Aid to IncarceratedMothers205 West Randolph, Suite 830Chicago, Illinois 60606(3I2) 332-5537
Legal Services for Prisoners withChildren (LSPC)(California)
Program Description:Legal Services for Prisoners withChildren is a statewide legal services sup-port center focusing on the civil legalneeds of prisoners, their children, andfamily members. Founded in • 978, LSPCprovides advice and consultation, litiga-tion assistance, training and technical
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 83
Longje,-r.rt Foster Care.for the Cbi I.dren ofIncarcerated Mothers
assistance, and extensive written materi-als to lawyers and legal advocates work-ing with prisoners and their families.
Clients Served:Incarcerated parents, their children, andfamily members, lawyers and legal advo-cates.
Contact:Ellen M. Barry, DiretorLegal Services for Prisoners with ChildrenI535 Mission StreetSan Francisco, California 94I03(4115) 255-7036
The National Women's Law CenterWomen In Prison Project(Washington, D.C.)
Program Description:The Women in Prison Project is an inno-vative program which confronts andredresses a range ofissues facing incar-cerated women. The Project focusesspecifically on providing legal, technicaland practical assistance to, and advocacyon behalfof, women incarcerated by theDistrict of Columbia Department ofCorrections. The Project provides neededassistance with family law issues, princi-pally cases involving child custody. It alsoassists women in obtaining public bene-fits and housing upon their release.Additionally. the Project has been in theforefront in terms ofadvocacy regardinghealth care needs ofpregnant and post-partum women and their children.
The Project has been involved in pub-lic education both on the local andnational level on these issues.
Clients Served:The Project provides legal services toapproximately 800 women incarceratedat the Lorton Minimum Security Annex,the Correctional Treatment Facility, theDistrict ofColumbia Central DetentionFacility ("D.C. Jail") and in halfway hous-es. Eighty percent ofthese women aremothers.
Contact:Brenda V. Smith, Project DirectorNational Women's Law CenterWomen in Prison ProjectIGI6 P Street, NW, Suite IOOWashington, D.C. 20036(202) 328-5I60
84 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
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WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 85
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86 NA'nONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME & DELINQUENCY
BARBARA BLOOM, M.S.W.is a nationally recognized expert on women in the criminal justice system. She is a
consultant and researcher specializing in the development ofcommunity-basedprograms forwomenoffenders andtheir families. Ms. Bloomrecentlyserved as a
member ofthe Blue Ribbon Commission on Inmate Population Managementwhich produced a comprehensive community corrections plan for California.
DAVID STEINHART, J.D.is a California attorney and consultant on child, youth and family issues. Previously
he was the Director of Policy Development for the National Council on Crime andDelinquency. Arespectedadvocateofalternative-to-institutionprograms for children
andyouth, Steinhartwas the principal draftsman of landmarkjuvenile justicelegisla-tionin California removing children from adult jails and lockups.
WHY PUNISH THE CHILDREN? 87
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
17" N THE LAST DECADE, the number ofwomen in
• 1 our nation's jails and prisons has tripled.
J• Three-fourths of these women are mothers -
most with young children. A surprisingly large
number are pregnant when jailed or imprisoned.
What happens to the children ofthese incarcerated
women? Some go into foster care. Some stay with
relatives. Many suffer the consequences - psycho-
logical, emotional and economic. Some will never
live with their natural mother again.
This work presents new research findings on
the children ofincarcerated mothers. It offers a
current appraisal ofthe needs ofthe children, their
mothers and their caregivers. It presents a national
agenda for reform that should be of interest to every
child advocate, corrections or welfare administrator,
executive branch leader, lawmaker, jurist and
concerned citizen.
Headquarters 08ice:
*C£4NATIONAL COUNCIL ON
CRIME AND DELINQUENCY
685 Market Street, Suite 620San Francisco, CA 94 I 0 5(4I5) 896 - 6223
Midwest O#ice
6409 Odana Road,Madison WI 537 I 9(608) 274 - 8882
East Coast ofrice:
S.I.Newhouse CenterRutgers UniversityI5 Washington St, 4th FloorNewark, NJ 07I02(2OI) 648 - I 275