Labour's Plan to Reduce Prison Impact on Mothers and Children
- Babies living with their mothers in prison are taken on outings to local supermarkets to aid their adjustment to life outside.
- Last year, 194 pregnant women were detained in prisons, with many infants expected to be released before their mothers.
- The situation raises concerns about the long-term effects on children, as those with incarcerated mothers are more likely to end up in jail themselves.
In England and Wales, 44 babies currently reside in six jails, including Styal Prison in Cheshire, where mothers are allowed to keep their infants with them. To help these babies adjust to life outside prison, staff organize outings to local supermarkets, such as Asda, twice a week. This initiative aims to foster a bond between mothers and their children during the crucial early months of life. In the previous year, 194 pregnant women were detained in prison, highlighting the significant number of mothers facing incarceration. However, it is important to note that many of these infants will be released from prison before their mothers, as it is unlawful to keep babies in jail beyond a certain period. This situation raises concerns about the long-term impact on children whose mothers are imprisoned, as studies indicate that they are twice as likely to end up in jail themselves, prompting calls for reform in the penal system.