In-Class Activity

Name:

1. In recent years, the flood of women into the correctional system has prompted a growing number of states to create programs known as prison nurseries, which allow women to keep their newborn children with them behind bars. Inmates who qualify can raise their babies for a limited time—ranging from one month to three years, but in most states 18 months—in separate housing units on prison grounds.

Please watch the following story on one such program and then reflect on the questions below: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/in-one-indiana-prison-a-program-allows-incarcerated-moms-to-raise-their-newborns

1. What do you think about this type of program?
2. What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of a program like this?
3. Nine states currently offer prison nurseries, should this be required in each state?

2. You read about the Second Chances Act, which funds programs like the one described in this video. View the video and then reflect on the questions below: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/mentoring-program-connects-children-of-incarcerated-parents-with-support

If you were to get a grant from the SCA, what would your program look like? I expected detailed responses here, including (but not limited to):

1. Who would program target?
2. What services would be offered?
3. Where would they take place?

3. Sesame Street provides a toolkit for parents/caregivers or other adults when interacting with children with incarcerated parents. Explore the toolkit here (https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/incarceration/), and describe at least two of the resources. Who do you think would benefit most from using them?