PRISON LIFE FOR MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN

Prison Life for Mothers with Children

Prison Life for Mothers with Children

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the lives of women living in prison with their children. Women constitute a small minority of the prison population, but this minority is experiencing a disproportionate growth. It is common for the prison system, intended primarily to male inmates, and does not meet the requirements, or even the rights of prisoners.

The incarceration on women effects different from those it has on men. Here, are some key concerns:

a) Problems due to housing

b) Inadequate staff

c) Lack of family contact

d) Lack of training programs and activities

e) Lack of adequate health care

f) High proportion of women who have suffered mental abuse, physical or sexual

g) Negative effects of imprisonment of mothers on their children

Discussion

Most women are imprisoned mothers. The imprisonment of a woman who is mother may lead to the violation of not only her rights but also those of its children. When a mother is imprisoned, her baby and / or young children may go to jail with her, or be separated from it and remain "outside". Both options can constitute a risk to the child. The Special Reporter on Prisons and Conditions Detention in Africa said:

The prison is no place safe for pregnant women, infants and young children, and is not advisable to separate babies and young children of their mother.

There is no simple solution, but the complexity of the situation does not constitute an excuse for not protecting the rights of children with one parent in prison. Our work in this area focuses on the impact of imprisonment of the mother in the context of a larger study on women in prison. It should be noted that Children whose fathers are in prison face a number of these problems.

Even, if all aspects of women's imprisonment do not fall within the discrimination is often the case. Women's prisons are far less numerous than the other, and since there are very few neighborhoods for separate minor, they are often held with adult women. Prison regimes are almost always designed for the majority prison population, men, and lack of programs and provisions for women is a source of discrimination. For example, women who are in prison with infants or young children are often prevented from participating in programs of ...