Innovative program allows women to keep their babies with them in prison.
DECATUR, Ill. – Prison officials are constantly frustrated by a revolving door, the seemingly endless supply of inmates returning shortly after they are released.
That was one reason there was an atmosphere of triumph on the E-Wing of the Decatur Correctional Center, as prison officials, community volunteers, inmates and former inmates marked the third anniversary of an innovative program that allows women to keep their babies with them in prison. The infants live with their mothers on a unit on which each mother has her own room, with access to large day rooms decorated with colorful murals and outdoor patios. There are plenty of toys and books sprinkled throughout the unit.
Michael Randle, director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, commended the program, noting it is important that infants bond with their mothers during the first 18 months of their lives. Randle noted that the living unit resembled a day care center one might find outside prison walls.
Randle also said his department recognizes the importance of helping offenders to be good mothers. But the comment that sparked thunderous applause was related to the thorny issue of recidivism. “Of the 25 offenders that have gone through this program, none, zero, have returned to this prison,” Randle said. “That is certainly something you all should be proud of. Today is a celebration of your success.”
Inmates who were now living in “the free world” were invited to the celebration, partly to show the current inmates what success looks like.
The program, which took seven years of groundwork by prison officials, including visits to other states with similar programs, is structured to serve women who will be released by the time their children reach 2 years old.
Debbie Denning, women and family services coordinator for the Corrections department, was instrumental in bringing the program to Decatur, the only prison in the state to allow babies to live with their mothers.
Denning said it has been a blessing to have the program in Decatur, because the community support has been strong. The program’s additional expenses have been absorbed by churches, community groups, volunteers and other government agencies. Children receive free medical care at Community Health Improvement Center.
Christine Boyd, warden of Decatur Correctional Center, a medium-security prison holding about 500 inmates, said it is a major accomplishment to have 25 inmates leave from one program with none returning.
“It’s usually anywhere from six months to a year that they’re back in Corrections after they leave here,” Boyd said, adding that she sees some on an intake list one month after they leave. “Since 2007, the women from this program, nobody has come back here. That’s a huge success.” Susan Creek, the coordinator of Moms and Babies, said the large periods of time the women spend with their children are beneficial to both.
Creek said it is especially important the mothers are bonding with their babies in a nurturing environment, away from the negative influences they might have on the outside.
“This program is about the well-being of the child first,” Creek said, adding that the children are innocent. “Let’s not punish the child because the mother made a mistake.”
Copyright 2010 Associated Press.