Monday, February 4, 2008

Mexico's programme to aid jailed mothers


What to do with children born to women serving time is a social dilemma that tests even the most advanced prison regimes.


In Mexico, the authorities believe they are starting to deal with the problem head on, with some dramatic results.


They have started allowing babies born in jail to stay with their mothers until they are six years old.


Compare that to England or Scotland, where typically mothers can only keep their babies until they are 18 months old, and then only in exceptional circumstances.




This story is significant because what to do with babies born while the Mom is in jail is a very important issue. The decision Mexico has made is one of the first of its kind and I believe it is a very well thought out one.

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