Mother-Child Program

The Mother-Child Program is unique to the women’s institutions is the Mother-Child Program. Commissioner' Directive 768 on Institutional Mother-Child Program> aims "to provide a supportive environment that fosters and promotes stability and continuity for the mother-child relationship". It also states that the pre-eminent consideration is the best interests of the child which shall be the pre-eminent consideration in all decisions relating to participation in the Mother-Child Program. The best interests of the child include ensuring the safety and security as well as the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of the child.

Two thirds of incarcerated women are mothers of children under five years of age, are often single parents, and for which living apart is an ordeal for both the mothers and their children. However, the development of parenting skills and the establishment of the mother-child relationship are both social characteristics and social expectations in regard to all mothers, including those who are in conflict with the law. Understanding this social fact and its implications, has led to the development of a strategy better suited to the culture and specific needs of mothers serving a federal sentence and their children.

Availability of the Mother-Child Program at the women’s institutions is contingent on space availability.