Mothers with children in prison
(Rules 49 – 52, Chapter 8)
In Germany, it is usual practice for mothers to have the option for their children to stay with them in prison within separate mother-baby housing units that include access to healthcare , parenting classes and babysitting services, with the aim of developing and maintaining the mother-child bond in the early years of development. Closed prisons in Germany allow children up to three years old to stay, and open prisons allow children up to the age of six. As an example, the open unit at FrankfurtPreungesheim is located outside the prison walls, reflecting a policy of distancing the mother-child unit from the rest of the prison population. Each mother has her own apartment comprising a bedroom/living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. The mother can work in the community and children stay in a day care centre and are allowed to play in the local playground during the day.
For more information see: ‘Children inside prison’
Contact with family and children
(Rule 26, Chapter 6)
Also in Germany, the organisation BAG-S e.V. developed a tool named ‘Bear Buddy’ to help guide young children through prison, from entry to departure, when they come to visit an imprisoned parent. The children are provided with a picture book that they can read while waiting to see their parent. Bear Buddy is described in a picture book and paw prints and images are located at various stages throughout the prison. Children are then given a Bear Buddy at the end of their first visit. This initiative was designed to make prison seem less hostile to children while also providing children with a comforting item during their visit.
For more information see: Bear Buddy