WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Should prisoners be raising babies behind bars?

 With strong technology, aerospace, and biotech industries, Washington state has earned a reputation for fostering innovation in the private sector. Not as well known, however, may be our innovative programs in the public sector. One in particular is the Residential Parenting Program in our state’s only women’s prison, which has seen a 28 percent reduction in recidivism among participants compared to the general female prison population.

The country’s prison population is on the rise. From 2000 to 2009 the number of female prisoners increased by 21 percent. One in 17 female offenders is pregnant when she goes to prison.

Many women entering prison have experienced drug abuse, homelessness, poverty, physical abuse, or sexual abuse – factors that greatly increase the chances of reoffending. Successful rehabilitation consists of addressing the complex needs of prisoners and helping them gain skills to avoid going back to prison in the future.

The Washington Corrections Center for Women in Purdy has a parenting program that allows inmates and their newborns to remain united throughout the mother’s sentence.

Established in 1999, through a partnership between the prison and Early Head Start, the Residential Parenting Program is designed to ensure that a secure, safe, and healthy attachment is formed between the mother and child.

Expectant mothers are provided with prenatal care, educational/vocational opportunities, support, and parenting skills so that they can effectively parent and successfully transition into the community upon release.

Research suggests that infants who bond securely with their mothers become more self-reliant and have higher self-esteem as toddlers. As they grow up, this enables them to have more successful peer relationships and be more resilient in coping with stress.

To be eligible, inmates must be pregnant, convicted of a non-violent offense and be eligible for release within 30 months. Parenting programs offer a progressive approach to rehabilitation. By providing inmates with parenting tools and the ability to bond with their infants the program is providing hope for incarcerated moms and their children.

It’s also decreasing their chances of returning to prison – a win for their families and taxpayers. Not only is it changing the lives of the women and their children, it’s helping break the cycle of incarceration.

For more information:

https://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/wccw/default.asp