Anyone Catch Nightline?

deedee1017

Can we discuss this? Inmates raising their babies behind bars. Clicky

deedee1017

I think it's sad that these kids only know the prison as their home for up to the first year and a half of their lives. I also kind of resent the fact that these women receive free parenting classes, free biweekly pediatrician visits, free healthcare and get to stay with their babies all day every day without having to worry about making ends meet or getting a job. 

ashleymarie512

Interesting story!

Vast majority of all prisoners will be released one day (not lifers) and they return to our communities. Don't you want them coming out as better people than when they went in? The number in Iowa that will eventually be released is 96%...that's a lot of people!

Also, the 33% vs <10% recidivism rate is huge!! That's really an amazing stat, actually. Nationwide averages for recidivism is about 50% so less than 10 is pretty cool.

deedee1017

anamouse said:

I think it's sad that these kids only know the prison as their home for up to the first year and a half of their lives. I also kind of resent the fact that these women receive free parenting classes, free biweekly pediatrician visits, free healthcare and get to stay with their babies all day every day without having to worry about making ends meet or getting a job. 

They made the point that if separated the mom is more likely to reoffend costing tax payers more. Do you remember your first year and a half of life? As much as I want to side eye the whole thing I feel like babies need their mamas during this crucial time (if the moms are properly caring for and wanting the child). I doubt the baby in the main story will remember, and mom is turning her life around, so baby reaps the benefits.

I can see that side of things too. One part of me thought it was really great because it made women bond with their children and gave them a reason not to go back to prison. I also thought the one young lady they interviewed (that got out when her little boy was 6 months old) was a great person to use as an example. She seemed like a good mother and her crime was petty. I do think it is great for the little boy to be with his mother as opposed to getting caught up in the foster care system (maybe). 

The part of me that feels bad thinks about how the mothers can't just take their children to the park, or even target, where a baby would be stimulated by new things. I know they had toys and such there, but I equated it to being "stuck" on the grounds of my house. Only being able to go outside to my yard and only seeing a few of my close neighbors and in turn, the same people over and over. 

While I do not remember the first year and a half of my life (or even the first five), a baby's brain develops the most on the first three years of it's life. Imagine half of that period they are confined to the same place with the same people. I,m not saying it's bad, but it,s just things I was thinking about.

As for the part of me that resents the program, I think about all the mommas that get big hospital bills, have high co-pays, and each and every one of us who have had to return to work, some as early as 6-8 weeks after giving birth. It's kind of crappy to think going to prison (obviously not all prisons) allows these other mothers to give birth, visit the pediatrician, and spend up to 18 months at "home" with their babies without any kind of financial concern.

I can see all sides to this argument. However, this might change my plan of going to Canada for my next pregnancy. After all, Canada has high taxes and you only get a year versus 18 months. (J/k obv.)

Weljadraak

I would pay my hospital bill, my insurance, trips to Target, etc. to not be in prison. Prison is not some vacation. They get their bills paid but I get my freedom.

Ajoyd

Weljadraak said:

I would pay my hospital bill, my insurance, trips to Target, etc. to not be in prison. Prison is not some vacation. They get their bills paid but I get my freedom.

Exactly this. It's not exactly a glamorous option. I would much rather have to leave my baby and go to work every day than be in prison.

taylormarie923

I don't really follow what you are saying here.  First off, I think that the baby's brain can be stimulated enough from the confines of the prison.  Trips to Target does not equal a bigger brain.  Secondly, I would bet money that all of those women wish they could be in our shoes, hospital bills and all, over being locked up. 

EmJ&B

Even if I agreed that the babies would be lacking stimulation (which I don't), the advantages of being able to keep moms and babies together trump any possible downsides ... spend time helping these ladies as opposed to putting yet more strain on the entire situation by finding alternate care for the babies.

deedee1017

Ladies, it was just a discussion. Just interested in hearing everyone's thoughts on it. I wouldn't really go to jail just to spend that time with dd. I thought it was an interesting program. I think it does good. I used target as an example but I didn't mean that it was the ultimate learning place. I just really thought it was an interesting program.

I once took this class called critical writing and we discussed all sides to current events. Maybe I'm a nerd, maybe this is my "is that weird?", i miss taking classes because I love intelligent discussions and hearing other's opinions on different things.