Post by ScotKaren on Jun 21, 2006 7:16:37 GMT -5
www.sheilakitzinger.com/Prisons.htm
In the UK over 60 percent of women prisoners have young children. Women are nearly always the primary care-givers and are often single mothers. At least 4,000 children are affected by their mothers' imprisonment. Only three percent of women have a child in prison with them. So children have to be farmed out. Most are living with their mothers prior to the woman's imprisonment and for 85 percent it is the first time they have been separated for more than a day or two. Siblings are often separated. There is evidence that most children become withdrawn and depressed. One in four has difficulty sleeping or becomes physically ill. Seventy percent see their mother only once a month or less.
Half of all babies under one year who are in care because their mothers are in prison are moved between 2 and 4 different homes. We know that it is vital for babies in the first year of life to form a strong attachment to one person. From this grows a sense of security and trust, self-esteem and the capacity to love. The enforced separation of mothers and babies is another form of violence against women and is an abuse of our power over children.
A fascinating book!
The Shocking State of Britain's Prisons
and the need for Visionary Change
Ramsbotham, David, Free Press, London
Sheila believes that pregnancy, birth and motherhood offer opportunities for growth in understanding and for maturation. A woman may develop a sense of responsibility because she is now a mother. Yet during pregnancy a woman in prison is uncertain whether she can keep her baby until a prison board makes a decision approximately six weeks before the birth. She is in limbo. She may switch off emotionally from the pregnancy or may enter a state of grieving. One woman who was told that her baby would be taken away said to Sheila just after her baby was born, ”I dare not pick her up and cuddle her. I can't go on. I cannot go on living.”
Sheila worked to get women out of chains during childbirth some years ago, and when this was achieved suggested that woman-to-woman support schemes should be set up. As a result the Holloway Doulas were formed. Doulas are, in effect, birth sisters who give emotional support and practical friendship in pregnancy, during birth, and afterwards.
Now we are hoping to create a nation-wide network of support. Get in touch with Sheila by e mail at sheila@sheilakitzinger.com, if you are interested in this project.
References:
Diane Caddle and Debbie Crisp: Imprisoned Women and Mothers, Research Study 162, Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate, 1997
J.H. Kennell, M.H. Klaus, and P.H.Klaus. Bonding - Building the Foundations of Secure Attachment and Independence. Cedar, London, 1996
J.H.Kennell and M.H.Klaus, Bonding: Recent Observations that Alter Perinatal Care, US Academy, 19, 1998
HM Prison Service, Report of a review of Principles, Policies and Procedures on Mothers and Babies/Children in Prison, 1999
In the UK over 60 percent of women prisoners have young children. Women are nearly always the primary care-givers and are often single mothers. At least 4,000 children are affected by their mothers' imprisonment. Only three percent of women have a child in prison with them. So children have to be farmed out. Most are living with their mothers prior to the woman's imprisonment and for 85 percent it is the first time they have been separated for more than a day or two. Siblings are often separated. There is evidence that most children become withdrawn and depressed. One in four has difficulty sleeping or becomes physically ill. Seventy percent see their mother only once a month or less.
Half of all babies under one year who are in care because their mothers are in prison are moved between 2 and 4 different homes. We know that it is vital for babies in the first year of life to form a strong attachment to one person. From this grows a sense of security and trust, self-esteem and the capacity to love. The enforced separation of mothers and babies is another form of violence against women and is an abuse of our power over children.
A fascinating book!
The Shocking State of Britain's Prisons
and the need for Visionary Change
Ramsbotham, David, Free Press, London
Sheila believes that pregnancy, birth and motherhood offer opportunities for growth in understanding and for maturation. A woman may develop a sense of responsibility because she is now a mother. Yet during pregnancy a woman in prison is uncertain whether she can keep her baby until a prison board makes a decision approximately six weeks before the birth. She is in limbo. She may switch off emotionally from the pregnancy or may enter a state of grieving. One woman who was told that her baby would be taken away said to Sheila just after her baby was born, ”I dare not pick her up and cuddle her. I can't go on. I cannot go on living.”
Sheila worked to get women out of chains during childbirth some years ago, and when this was achieved suggested that woman-to-woman support schemes should be set up. As a result the Holloway Doulas were formed. Doulas are, in effect, birth sisters who give emotional support and practical friendship in pregnancy, during birth, and afterwards.
Now we are hoping to create a nation-wide network of support. Get in touch with Sheila by e mail at sheila@sheilakitzinger.com, if you are interested in this project.
References:
Diane Caddle and Debbie Crisp: Imprisoned Women and Mothers, Research Study 162, Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate, 1997
J.H. Kennell, M.H. Klaus, and P.H.Klaus. Bonding - Building the Foundations of Secure Attachment and Independence. Cedar, London, 1996
J.H.Kennell and M.H.Klaus, Bonding: Recent Observations that Alter Perinatal Care, US Academy, 19, 1998
HM Prison Service, Report of a review of Principles, Policies and Procedures on Mothers and Babies/Children in Prison, 1999