A Needs Assessment and Feasibility

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I A NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A CHILDREN'S CENTRE AT PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION I I I I I I I I I Prepared by: Diane Scott, Consultant I Sponsored by:

The Ministry of the Solicitor General, Canada I and The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan #307-135-21st St. East, Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 0 B4 I HV Telephone: (306) 934-4606 8886 .C2 I S3 1989 , ) 2 / q(7c

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, believes that people who are in conflict with the law should ideally be handled by and within the community. The Elizabeth Fry Society encourages new ways to make this ideal a reality, rather than contributing to the use of incarceration. It is our belief that whenever a women's offence permits and alternatives to incarderation exist, the women should remain in the community with her children. It is our policy that a women with dependents, faring a period of imprisonment, should be given the necessary time, resources and community support to make the best possible arrangements for the care of her child(ren). Once imprisoned, the women should be given opportunities for frequent and meaningful contact with her children.

The following Needs Assessment and Feasability Study for a Children's Center, was undertaken to examine ways in which the community could work with existing institutions to address gaps and imporve resources for incarcerated women and their children.

LIBRARY SOLICITOR GENERAL CANADA

1996 :231‘ 1i: 29 e.S'O, eeLeivewe. ceim el.X.etee regiteM «we (17à ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author of this study and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan extend special thanks for the cooperation and assistance received from the administration and staff at Pine Grove Correctional Institute in providng the required data and arranging meetings with the female residents.

To the residents themselves we are especially grateful. Without their cooperation this study would not have been possible. A NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND FEASIBILITY STUDY FORA CHILDREN'S CENTRE AT PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

Prepared by: Diane Scott, Consultant

Sponsored by: The Ministry of the Solicitor General, Canada and The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan #307-135-21st St. East, Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 0B4 Telephone: (306) 934-4606 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. OUTLINE OF THE ISSUE 2 III. THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL INCARCERATION ON THE CHILD 5 A. Infant Bonding 5 B. The Imprisonment Cycle 6 C. Emotional and Behavioral Effects 7 D. Factors Affecting the Degree of Harm to the Child 8 IV. THE EFFECTS OF PARENT/CHILD SEPARATION ON THE INMATE MOTHER 8 V. THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE INMATE MOTHER/CHILD RELATIONSHIP 10 VI. PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE INMATE PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIP 14 A. Types of Programs 14 B. Canadian Programs 18 VII. THE INMATES OF PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION 24 VIII. THE CHILDREN OF INMATES IN PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION 27 IX. THE HISTORY OF INMATE/FAMILY VISITS AT PINE GROVE 28 X. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROGRAMS TO STRENGTH INMATE/ FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AT PINE GROVE 37 1. Philosophy 37 2. The Children's Playroom 38 3. Transportation Program 40 4. Parent Program 42 5. Nursery Program 46 6. Special Visitation Programs 48 7. The Administration of a Children's Centre 49 8. Funding the Children's Centre 52 XI. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH AND PROGRAMMING 55 I. INTRODUCTION

In February 1989, the Elizabeth Fry Society initiated a Needs Assessment - Feasibility Study for a Children's Centre Program at Pine Grove Correctional Institution in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. This is the final report for this project.

For readers who are not familiar with Pine Grove Correc- tional Institution or the activities of this project, the following notes will provide relevant background.

A. Pine Grove Correctional Institution Pine Grove Correctional Institution in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan is a Provincially run correctional centre and is the only such institution for women in the province. The inmates are primarily native in origin, the average being between 25 and 35 years of age, coming from locations all over the province. Pine Grove houses an annual average of 70 inmates per day per year. There were 599 female sentenced admissions at Pine Grove in 1986-87. Seven of these admissions were federally sentenced women.

1 B. Project Mandate The purpose of this project is to complete a Needs Assessment Feasibility Study for a Children's Centre Program at Pine Grove Correctional Institution. The study is-:e-to specifically address the following: 1. Review the existing family services for incarcerated women at Pine Grove Correctional Institution. 2. Review the rate of utilization of family visits and services at Pine Grove. 3. Review the factors which affect the utilization of family visits at Pine Grove. 4. Identify, in consultation with the staff and inmates of Pine Grove, possible program options that may be in- tegrated into future plans for renovation. 5. Identify community organizations which could become involved with family support programs for inmates at Pine Grove.

M. OUTLINE OF THE ISSUE

A. Background Research on the Issue:

The majority of incarcerated women in Canada are either already mothers or will be giving birth to their first child during their internment. These women are either the soleor the primary caregivers for their dependents. When the mother is imprisoned she and her dependent children become

2 separated not only physically and usually geographically, but emitionally as well. The children are placed in a variety of settings ranging from foster homes to family members or even friends, all of whom may already be overburdened with their

own family responsibilities. In essence, the whole family ends up "Doing the mother's time".

Recent research indicates that continuing family contact minimizes negative effects of incarceration on inmates and their families (Mustin, 1989). More specifically, research on the relationship between the family and the incarcerated parent states the following:

1. Family contact during incarceration has positive effects upon offender behaviour, both in prison and upon release (MacDonald, 1980, Mustin, 1989).

2. Family contact during incarceration has a positive effect on parole success (Holt & Miller, 1972). 3. Family contact during incarceration reduces recidivism after release from prison (Mustin, 1989).

The majority of research on the effects of family relationships during and after internment has been done on male inmates. There is very little research available on the - needs of the female offender. MacLeod (1986) states that,

"At the present time there are not any national nor known provincial Canadian statistics regarding the number, charac-

3 teristics and problems of mothers who are offenders, as well as the numbers, ages, living arrangements and adjustment experiences of their children."

MacLeod (1986) goes on to state that, "Based on round figures, and the most conservative percentages of women estimated in the research available to be pregnant, to have borne children, or to have dependant children, we can tenta- tively estimate that in 1983, 360 women (4% of 9,000) admitted to a correctional institute were pregnant, 4,500 women (50%) had borne children and 2,700 women (30%) had been living with their children prior to incarceration, Based on these percentages and our previous numerical estimates that 2,700 women with dependant children were sentenced to incarceration in 1983/84, the mothers of at least 5,400 children were admitted to a correctional facility in 1983/84. It is likely that 2,160 of these children were preschoolers and another 1,620 were between the ages of five and ten. In addition, another 560 newborn babies were af- fected by criminal justice decisions to incarcerate their mothers in 1983/84."

4 III. THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL INCARCERATION ON THE CHILD

A. Infant Bonding

Bonding has been defined as "....the formation of a

strong and enduring attachment bond to at least one caregiver during infancy" (Yale Law School, 1978).

Psychologists state that preventing the formation of this bond with the adult who will be the child's primary

caregiver or separating the child once the bond has been formed can seriously disrupt the child's emotional development in the following ways:

1. An inability to internalize acceptable norms of behaviour and may experience difficulty establishing close interpersonal relationships.

2. The development of a psychopathic personality. People who have psychopathic personalities have a tendency to break the law because normal guilt reactions for inap- . propriate behaviour are lacking.

This attachment bond is formed between the ages of six months and two years. The effect of breaking a bond formed while the child is under two years of age will vary depending _ on the length of the separatioil and the child's ability to

• establish a new permanent bond with another caregiver. ' Children past infancy will also be harmed by separation from

5 the caregiver with whom they have formed an attachment bond. TI:a extent of the harm will vary depending on the length of the separation and the age of the child. The older the child;'= the longer the periods of separation that can-P= be tolerated without ill effects. The ill effects of this separation can be lessened if a child visits the mother regularly and thereby maintains an on-going relationship (Yale Law School, 1978).

This research leads us to question how many children are put in psychological jeopardy on an annual basis due to their attachment bonds being severed while their mothers are imprisoned. These mothers are often the child's primary caregiver.

B. The Imprisonment Cycle

Research seems to indicate that incarceration repeats itself within families and that more than one family member may be incarcerated at the same time.

1. The Commission on Violence and Crime in California reported that, ".... 7 out of 10 prisoners in California State Prisons had immediate family in custody when they were children (Friends Outside Prison, Youth Program, 1988).

2. In data collected from Pine Grove Correctional Instilu- t4;on, 65% of the inmates have a primary family membeein the corrections system.

6 When a child's mother is incarcerated the justice system racely takes into account the stresses placed on the child. These stresses such as separation anxiety, stigmatization, insecurity, and lack of understanding can all lead to emotional and behavioral problems which can, without intervention, lead to the eventual incarceration of the child. This is called the impriSonment cycle. In order to break the imprisonment cycle, the children of inmate mothers need a healthier, more secure beginning than many of their mothers received.

C. Emotional and Behavioral Effects Milne (1989) summarizes emotional and behavioral effects as follows: 1. That children of incarcerated parents suffer from low self-esteem, become withdrawn and isolated, develop behavioral problems and that poor school performance often develops. 2. That as a result of the stigmatization of having an imprisoned parent, children become secretive and experience difficulty with behaving in an honest, open manner. 3. That the children of incarcerated parents experienced guilt, low self-esteem, withdrawn or aggressive behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviour and teasing from peers.

7 D. Factors Affecting the Degree of Harm to the Child

The impact that a separation from his primary caregiver has on_ a child will vary greatly from child to child, and from situation to situation. Factors affecting the amouneof harm caused to the child by the separation include: the child's age, temperament and health; the quality of the relationship with the alternate caregiver; the physical and emotional environment of the child's temporary home; the length of the separation; the amount and quality of contact between the mother and child throughout her incarceration; and the number of other situations in the child's life such as a change in the child's neighborhood or school (MacLeod, 1986).

IV. THE EFFECTS OF PARENT/CHILD SEPARATION ON THE INMATE MOTHER

Summarizing the effects on the inmate mother, Haunach

(1984) indicates that many inmate mothers derive much of their self-esteem and personal identity from their role as a mother. Boudoures (1985) states that caring for an infant has a positive impact on the mother's rehabilitation by enhancing her self-esteem, easing her guilt and anxiety about separation, and providing an oppoi.tunity for integrating_fier identity. MacLeod (1986) reported that inmate mothers hâve many practical worries about their children and their rela-

8 tionship with them. These worries are: that they will lose pemanent custody of their children while incarcerated; their children's physical and mental health and safety; that their children will resent them, stop loving them and become attached to their new caregivers. These concerns are exag- gerated by the woman's feelings of impotence to resolve these problems while inStitutionalized. At times, these worries may preoccupy female inmates so much that they cannot gener- ate an interest in vocational training or plan realistically for their future. Baunach (1984) indicates that a large portion of inmate mothers planned to reunite with their families upon release from prison and, therefore regarded the separation as temporary. •

In conclusion, it appears that most.inmate mothers plan to put their families back together again when they leave prison. This family reunification process could be turbulent for all the family members based on the factors listed below:

1. Unresolved feelings due to a possible lack of communication between family members during the incarceration period.

2. The mother will have to deal with problems that faced her before incarceration. i.e. housing, employment, dealing with social services agencies, addiction prob-

lems, etc. Gilkinson (1988) found that out of the

9 inmate population at Pine Grove Correctional Institution 85% were from visable minorities, 41% had a stated education level below grade nine and 94% were unemployed upon sentencing; 3. The mother's stigma of prior incarceration. 4. The possible lack of rehabilitative and educational programs while incarcerated. i.e. abuse counselling, parenting skills development, educational upgrading, employment skills training, pre-release education, etc.

These factors can all lead to large amounts of stress on the reunited family. This in turn can lead to further problems such as child abuse and negative behaviour in the children. Ultimately, it may lead to the mother being incarcerated again, with potential for even graver consequences for the family members and our society as a whole. These consequences are both on the social and economic level.

V. THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO

STRENGTHEN THE INMATE MOTHER/CHILD RELATIONSHIP

In the past there has been a lack of research on the effects of parental incarceration on all family members. Most of the research that has been conducted has been with male Qffenders. Men and women who are incarcerated may have quite different needs in the area of family relationships.

10 For example, how many men were the primary caregivers at the tiae of sentencing?

Recent research is demonstrating the need for programs in prison that intervene, maintain and strengthen the relationships between inmates and their family members, especially children. New programs are being initiated based upon the philosophy "....in spite of the crime, in spite of the public controversy over punitive versus rehabilitative correction, the incarcerated parent continues to be a parent while in jail" (Adalist - Estrin, 1989). Research also indicates the need for changes in the policies and procedures within our correctional facilities. Families influence behaviour and collected data point the way toward a new ordering of priorities for corrections. If contact between the offender and the family is a key to success upon release, the prison system should be operated to maximize this contact - not frustrate it ... (Mustin, 1989).

Prisons create a forced dependency that is "anti- thetical to the requirements of the mother role." Inmate mothers become dependent upon the institution for survival and are unable to take respon- sibility for themselves or their children (Baunach, 1984). •

11 Recent evidence of attitudinal changes within the corrections system that demonstrate support for the above philo- sophy_are as follows:. 1. In order to establish sound correctional policy, we must recognize that offenders are members of families and not simply isolated individuals. Their incarceration and ultimate release to the community impacts the entire 11 family unit. If we wish to increase the likelihood that offenders will be successful when they are released from prison, we need to establish policies and programs which will focus on their family relationships (The First National Conference on the Family and Corrections, 1988).

2. Both the Mission Document of the Correctional Service of Canada, 1988 and the 1988-89 Estimates Report of the Solicitor General state a commitment to develop rehabil-

itation programs to assist the re-integration of inmates into society upon release from prison. 3. The Saskatchewan Department of Corrections and Justice, 1987 states, "While visiting policy is necessarily

concerned with the immediate needs and interests of inmates, it is recognized by the Department that an effective visiting program can also provide many secen-

dary benefits. For example, to maintain inmate morale,

promote harmonious staff-inmate relations, reduce ten-

12 sion and otherwise contribute to the development of a positive institutional environment. Such programming is aimed primarily at maintaining family relationships and providing opportunities for inmates to fulfill ongoing family responsibilities. However, it is also intended

to be flexible enough to permit other important business, social and professional contacts which may be beneficial in terms of an inmate's institutional adjustment, social development or release planning activity."

4. The Saskatchewan Department of Corrections and Justice, 1988 states, "The primary objectives of the Family Visiting Units are to assist inmates in maintaining family relationships and to reduce some of the negative interpersonal tensions resulting _firm incarceration. Unit visits contribute to these objectives by providing opportunities for longer and more meaningful contacts between inmates and their families than are possible in other forms of institutional visiting.

Inmates and their families are not required, as a condition of eligibility, to participate in any special- ized counselling activities other than those directly

related to the administration of Family Visiting Units. However, correctional centres may, upon request, provide

counselling or other services to assist inmates in

13 resolving problems arising in the area of family relationships."

VI. PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE INMATE PARENT/CHILD

RELATIONSHIP

A. Types of Programs This section of the study serves to give an overview of the types of programs available in institutions that have as their major philosophy the intervention, maintenance and strengthening of family relationships during the incarceration of a parent.

1. Prison Nurseries The most controversial of all the programs designed to maintain and strengthen the inmate mother's ties to her child is the prison nursery. This program allows mothers who give birth during their period of incarcera- . tion to bring the newborn back to the prison to live with them for a period of months or years. The mother is expected to care for the child either twenty-four hours a day, or upon return from her nine to five job placement inside the institution. Compulsory prenatal and parenting courses are usually components of -the nùrsery programs. Nursery programs currently existin

14 the United States, West Germany, Japan, Bolivia, Venezuela and Canada.

Proponents of the prison nursery programs ground their arguments in the bonding issue and acting in the best interests of the inmate mother and child. Those opposing these programs cite best interests of the child, but the bulk of their concerns center around increased risks and practical difficulties for the particular correctional institutes housing such programs (Elizabeth Fry Society, 1989).

2. Children's Centres Some institutions have an area inside or adjacent to the general visiting area where a muJler ,may visit, or engage in active play with her. children. The children's area is usually equipped with some, or all of the following; toys, games, cots, special play centres such as sand and water tables, a kitchen area and sleeping area. The activities of the centre may range from provision of space and toys only, right through to structured play and educational programming such as that offerèd at day care centres. Many of the programs are staffed primarily by inmates who have received training as day care providers or completed parenting programs. Usually one child development specialist or early child-

15 1

hood educator is hired to train the women and administer the program.

— The visits of -the children to the centres are usually facilitated and financed through non-profit agencies as a charitable service or through government sponsored programs (Elizabeth Fry Society, 1989).

3. Extended Mother/Child Visits

At the Bedford Hills Correctional Centre in New York City, they also have in place a summer program. There, children are billeted at homes in the community for one week, while they participate in daily activities with their mothers from nine to three o'clock. The host homes are not paid a fee for housing the children but do it as a community service.

The summer program presently facilitates week-long visits for five-hundred children every summer. Similar

programs are operating in other locations in the United States, with the length of the visits ranging from two

days to a week. The M.O.L.D. program operating in Nebraska allows the children . to spend a weekend with their mothers. They sleep'overnight in the institution their mother's rooms (Elizabeth Fry Society, 1989).

16 4. Child Advocacy Programs

A program called Aid to Incarcerated Mothers (AIM) operates in the Massachusetts Correctional Institute for Women. The program pairs mother with volunteer who act as their advocates in all areas impacting on the inmates's children.

The thrust of the program is to give inmate- mothers information about resources to enable her to make realistic decisions about her child both during and following incarceration. ....An individual volunteer acts as an advo- cate to help facilitate visiting, deal with agencies at the mother's request, and others who may effect her child's life (Baunach, 1984). .

The program is jointly sponsored by the Urban Planning Aid Office in Boston and the Family Project at the Institution.

5. Family Visiting Units Some institutions have an area either within or adjacent to the prison complex which provides a homelike setting where inmates may be permitted to visit with their families in private, for periods of up to three days.

17 The family visiting units are generally intended to serve inmates incarcerated for relatively long periods

who àre of low security classification. - _7

These units are administered and financed by the institution in which they are housed. Very few of these programs have counselling or programming for the family participants. There is no specific programming for the children at the present time.

In Canada, every correctional institution that is part of the federal system has a family visiting unit, and the majority of provincial correctional institutions also have them. Canada's record in this area is further ahead than their American neighbors. Family visiting units in the United States are still on a very piecemeal basis.

B. Canadian Programs

1. The Federal System

In general, based on information available, there are very few programs running currently that address the strengthening of family relationships between the innee and family members. There are even fewer programs or inmate mothers. This is due to the fact that there is

18 only one federal correctional institution for women in Canada. This facility is located in Kingston, Ontario. a) Family Programs for Male Inmates i) Several programs have been initiated under the auspices of the Canadian Committee on Early Childhood (0.M.E.P.) but have been discon- tinued due to government fluctuations in funding (Townsend, 1987). ii) Living With Children Program at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Institution in Alberta. This program runs in association with 0.M.E.P. Edmonton, Grant MacEwan Com- munity College and the Alberta Government. iii) Family visiting units in all federal correctional institutions. b) Family Programs for Female Inmates i) The Prison for Women in Kingston has the following programs for women: - one free six-minute phone call per month - full day informal visits are available through special application - two-hour private visits during family day which occurs twice yearly

19 - weekly visiting privileges. It should be noted that this is irrelevant to the majority of the inmates whose children live outside the city of Kingston - a family visiting unit for family visits of up to seventy-two hours - Audio-visual equipment is made available to inmates, enabling mothers to communicate with their children by video tape. - the Elizabeth Fry Society arranges weekly or monthly phone calls for inmates to their home communities across Canada, which provide a means of tying women to their families and home communities. ii) Federally sentenced women from Saskatchewan have the option of serving time at the Provin- cial Pine Grove Correctional Centre. This is arranged through a federal-provincial exchange of service agreement (E.S.A.). Presently, the programming at Pine Grove is geared to short- term provincial sentences. There have been as many as 12 federally sentenced women serving time at Pine Grove, which indicates that the programming should also address some long-tèrm needs. It may be noted that 9 SaskatcheÏian women are currently serving time in Kingston.

20 2. The Provincial Systems Programs to strengthen family relationships vary greatly between provinces. This section will deal specifically with the type of program that is designed for inmate mothers and their families. a) Seven Maples Correctional Centre, Maple Ridge, British Columbia has:

- a nursery program which has been in operation since

1973 • - the program accommodates three children at one time - inmates who give birth during incarceration are given a positive evaluation regarding physical and mental health and who are free of substance abuse are eligible for this program - children must be under two years of age at the mother's time of release from custody - mothers are taken to pre-natal classes in the community and are examined weekly by a doctor - mothers share a room and provide continual care

untill the child is two years of age - mothers are escorted to weekly parenting classes in the community - infants are examined regularly by a public health

nurse (MacLeod, 1986).

b) Portage Correctional Centre for Women, Portage La = Prarie, Manitoba has:

- a nursery program which began in 1981 - the infants are housed with their mothers and must be less than ten months old at the mother's time of release - the program accommodates three children at a time, but has had up to five

e) Pine Grove Correctional Institution, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan has: - regular phone calls to maintain mother/ child contact - children under two years of age are allowed to visit with mothers in their rooms between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with special application. Nursing mothers may nurse their child from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., providing the child was born while the mother was incarcerated. "Sometimes arrangements to transport infants to Pine Grove can be a major problem."

- inmates are allowed one visit per week (Sund. to Saturday) with twenty-four hour notice upoet application. These visits can be scheduled

22 between 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. These may be extended for out- of-town visits or on special occasions - inmàtes can apply to use the family visiting unit at the men's provincial correctional

institution at Prince Albert for family visits of up to three days. The female inmates have to put their names on a list along with male inmates to use this facility

- there are two family days per year to which inmates' families are invited. (Christmas and Summer Pow Wow) - pregnant inmates are given pre-natal classes in the institution or community and are examined

weekly by a doctor d) Other Provincial Programs are as follows: - Some institutions assist in arranging transportation and funding to enable children to visit their mothers. - In some communities local residents board inmates' children for a short period of time to accommodate extended visits with their mothers. 1

VII. THE INMATES OF PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

This section will serve to give an overview of the 1 inmatge,population of. Pine Grove. The following irdormatl.on should shed some light on the characteristics, background and 1 problems of these women. This information is based on data 1 ipovided by the staff which was drawn from their annual surveys for the four-year period from 1985 to 1988 inclusive. 1 Data from a Literacy Program Development Proposal for Pine Grove which was submitted by Bess Gilkinson October, 1988. 1.

The following statements are based on averages calcu- lated on available data over the four year period from 1985 1 to 1988.

1. The average age of inmates was 27 years of age.

2. Average stated grade level of the inmates was grade nine. 1

3. The marital status of the inmates over the four year period was: Single 41% Common law 37% 11

Separated 6% Divorced 6% 1 Widowed 4%

Married 6% 4. Iry 1988, 84% of the inmates were of Native Indian °lei- gin. 1 24 1 1 5. On the average, 82% of the inmates were unemployed when apprehended. 6. The majority of inmates spent most of their childhood in rural settings. 7. Many of the inmates came from family situations fraught with stress and problems. 20% of the inmates grew up in their parent'(s) home and 80% grew up in other situations such as foster homes, with friends, with extended family, residential schools and other group homes. Up

to 67% had primary family members who abused alcohol and/or drugs. The 1987 survey indicates that 50% of the inmates stated that they had a parent who had been incarcerated. In 1988, 65% of the inmates stated that they had a primary family member in the corrections system. On average, 41% of the inmates were apprehended by the Department of Social Services as children. The percentage of inmates who admitted to being physically and/or sexually abused by a primary family member ranged between 30% in 1985 to 76% in 1988. The staff at Pine Grove feels that these numbers are low; many women who have been abused, do not wish to identify themselves in this way or do not recognize this type of treatment as being abusive. The figures do indicate, however, that more inmates are aware that sexual or physical abuse was part of their childhood, and they are willing to ack- nowledge it.

25 8. 80% of the inmates admitted to substance abuse during adulthood. 9. In 1988, 40% of the inmates stated that they had re- --g ceived counselling and/or education on family violéhce and 18% stated they had used Interval House; 80% stated they would like this type of counselling and/or education. Up to 50% of inmates admitted to being physically and/or sexually abused as adults. Again, it is felt that these numbers are low and many inmates are still not able to discuss or identify abuse in their present situations. 10. 83% of inmates stated that they were parents. The average number of children per inmate is between 2 and 3 children. 55% of the inmates' children have been apprehended by the Department of Social Services at some time. 11. As many as 74% of the inmates admitted to using alcohol and/or drugs during pregnancy. Data is not available on the number of inmates who received prenatal education and the number of women who were pregnant during their incarceration. The surveys also did not address the number of inmates who gave birth during their internment.

Hased'on the data available during this four-year period, - it can be concluded that many of the inmates had turbulent childhoods

26 and that the same sorts of stresses and problems are affecting their Gin children.

VIII. THE CHILDREN OF INMATES IN PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

This section is designed to give an overview of the avàilable data regarding the children of the mothers incarcerated at Pine Grove. Again, this information was obtained from annual surveys via the staff at Pine Grove. 1. The average age range of the inmates' children was from 8.76

in 1987, 8.1 in 1985, to 3.67 in 1988. 2. 55% of the inmates' children are either permanent or temporary wards. 3. During the mothers' incarceration, the children were in the following care situations: a) Living with extended family or friends 20% b) Living with their father 05% c) Living in an approved foster home 40% d) Living in a young offender home 10% e) Living in a residential school 05% f) Other 20% NOTE: These numbers are based on an average of the four-year period. In conclusion, it appears that the average age of the inmates' children is younger than it was four years prior. About

27 one half of the children have been apprehended by Social Services. The chi..dren appear to be living in a variety of care situations while the mbther is incarcerated, with less than one half of the children living with relatives.

IX. THE HISTORY OF INMATE/FAMILY VISITS AT PINE GROVE

A. Existing Services The existing services at Pine Grove are outlined in Section VI of this study under the sub-title Canadian Programs.

B. Data on Inmate/Family Visits The following overview is based on information collected by Pine Grove staff for the four-month period between December 1, 1988 to March 31, 1989. For a more specific analysis of data refer to Appendix A.

1. During this four month period, 23 inmates had two family visits of which; 11 had one family visit, 5 had two family visits, 3 had three family visits,. and 4 had between four and ten family visits. There was a total of 57 visits. Inmates who had more than four visits tended to be visited on a weekly basis.

2. 37 of the visits were 1.5 hours in duration, while 15 visits ranged"z• from 2.25 to 3.5 hours in duration. Only 3 vidÏts

ranged-from 4.5 to 6.0 hours in duration by families further

28 removed from Prince Albert. The duration of the visit for 2 vis.its was not recorded. All but four of the visits occurred between 1:15 and 4:45 p.m..

3. Of the 57 visits, the children were accompanied by: Relatives 39% of the visits. Foster parents 39% of the visits. Elizabeth Fry Society 2% of the visits. Social Services 2% of the visits. Friends of inmate 3% of the visits. Person unrecorded 19% of the visits. In the situation of less frequent visits, the children were accompanied more so by relatives. In more frequent visitations, the children were accompanied about equally by relatives and foster parents. This • appears to indicate that foster parents are just as committed as relatives in assuring that the children visit their inmate mothers .on a weekly basis.

4. The following is a breakdown of the locale where the inmates' children are staying in relation to the number of visits: Prince Albert 35% Saskatoon --- 21% Leask 14% Regina 7%

La Loche 4%

29 Mel fort 2% Sturgeon Lake 2% Turner Lake 2% - Unrecorded location 13% This data indicates that 31 visits were from the Prince Albert area which includes Leask, Melfort, Sturgeon Lake and Turner Lake. 12 visits were from Saskatoon and 4 were from Regina. There were only 2 visits from northern communities. The latter is probably due to the fact that the cost of transportation is borne by the inmate or the families who are caring for the children during the mothers' incarceration. The closer the locale to Pine Grove the less the cost of transportation and travel time involved. Regina is a long way to travel for a 1.5 hour visit. This is especially true for young children.

5. Child/Inmate visits from outside the Prince Albert area were accompanied more often by foster parents than by relatives. Only 4 out of these 18 visits were accompanied by relatives.

6. During the four month period there were: Infant (0-24 month) visits 15% Pre-school (2-5 yrs.)visits 38% School age (6-12 yrs.) visits Teenage (13-18 yrs.) visits 14%

30 7. 16% of the family visits included three or four children in the visit. 84% of the family visits included one or two children in the visit.

8. There were 11 family visits in December, 12 in January, 17 in February and 17 in March. There is not sufficient data to determine that weather conditions may play some role in determining the number and the duration of the visits.

The following overview is based on data gathered from the inmates by the author in March 1989. This was a one day survey with a total of 30 inmates responding. The Child Visitation Survey (Appendix B) was designed to gain a better understanding of the inmates' needs and concerns with regards to family visitations.

1. Of the 30 inmate responses, 22 inmates had children. The breakdown of the number cd children per inmate is as follows: Inmates with 1 child 27% Inmates with 2 children 27%

Inmates with 3 or 4 children 23% Inmates with 5 to 11 children 23%

2. The pre-school, school age and teenage groups were ràlatively equally represented. The infant age group was the lowest group recorded being less than one half of any of the other

age groups.

31 3. Of the 22 inmate mothers only 4 had been visited by their children. In one instance the visit had been in 1987.

4. 20 of the inmates who had children stated that they woUld like to see their children more often. The remaining 2 mothers stated the following reasonà for not visiting with their children: a) The children are too old and don't want to visit. h) My children were taken away at birth by Social Services. (This is a mother of 11 children)

5. The following is a summary of inmate comments as to why they do not visit with their children more often: a) Lack of funds to get the children to Pine Grove. Most of the mothers were on welfare and felt that their caregivers couldn't afford to bring the children. b) The places where the children are living are too far away. Locations of Regina, La Loche and Manitoba were mentioned. c) The visits were too short for the distance the children had to travel. d) Because we are allowed only one visit per week. e) Transportation problems.

32 f) Improper visiting facilities. Pine Grove's visiting area is by the front entrance to the centre. This is where the main office is, new inmates are checked in here and there aren't any facilities for the .children. g) I don't feel the children should see this place (the grill, etc.). I feel it may be too traumatic for my children. h) The people taking care of my child feel it is too far to drive. I don't think they want to bring the children to this place. • i) The child's guardians work. j) It would be impossible to schedule weekly visits for all mothers with the existing facilities. k) It is too hard on the children when they have to say good-bye.

1) Foster parents want money ($10 to $15) from us to bring our children. We only make $ 3.80 per day. m) At times inmates have sent money to relatives and friends to facilitate their children to visit and the money was used for other purposes. The result was no mother/child visit.

6. The one day survey solicited inmate comments on the visiting facilities and programs they would like to see. The following is a summary of their comments:

33 a) Our own family visiting unit complete with a nursery area, kitchen area, washing facilities, games area and lots of books, art materials and toys for children of all ages. b) A support program for the mothers. c) Longer visiting hours. d) I would like to see my baby more than once a week, and in a private setting.

e) A place where a mother could spend a night or weekend with her children. It makes a person feel better to sleep with their loved ones. f) Facilities to allow neonatal mothers to bond with their newborn infants. g) A home environment without bars, guards, etc.. h) A nursery school facility where the young ones could intermingle with other children and other parents. i) Programming for mothers and children. j) In here all conversation dwells on family life and their concerns about their happiness and outside influence. There should be more done to emphasize family relations on a regular basis. k) A day care facility.

We would like to eat with our children so we could be together at meal time and this way get closer to

34 our children. This would give us more time with them. m) Why do men in this province have family visiting units and we don't? n) Transportation to Pine Grove for the children. o) Private visits so that the children aren't confused by too much happening around them. p) Everything possible! q) A separate entrance for the children to the visit-

ing area so that they don't have to go through the grill. r) An infant nursery program is needed so that the mothers can keep their babies with them. s) A non-institutional home environment where we can have lots of physical contact with our children. t) A playground adjacent to the visiting area where mothers can take their children to play. We presently have a playground that is very seldom used. u) Children are entitled to the same facilities here as on the outside. v) Special dorms would be a good idea. w) A program to ensure that the money inmate mothers send to caregivers is spent on visits.

These comments came from women with and without children.

35 7. Inmate comments on what they see as their role in improving the family visiting facilities as follows: - a) Moral support from mothers. bY Help to get the program started with ideas such as parenting skills needed, a book for kids about what jail is and what to expect while visiting. c) We could all help by making the place look like a home; sewing, painting, cleaning. d) Making things to sell for money to buy toys and equipment. e) Making it a work placement. f) To help advise and staff the area. 1 g) I'm a mother willing to cooperate. h) I would help develop the programming for both inmates and children. i) I would help with the children, cleaning and whatever else needs to be done for the visiting area. It would be nice to see a family visiting area.

Prison life is very lonely without your children. j) Working with the institution and the people funding

the visiting unit so we can make it a success. k) I just would like to see that the inmates have their rights.

I don't have any kids but I would help set up programs for others.

36 From the above information we can conclude that: inmates watt to see their children more often; they are concerned about the children's welfare; they have lots of good ideas for family visiting programs; and they are willing to help make it a reality.

X. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN INMATE/FAMILY

RELATIONSHIPS AT PINE GROVE

A. Suggested Program Structure and Facilities This section of the study will serve as a suggested plan for a Children's Centre at Pine Grove. The Children's Centre could have a number of components which could be phased in over a period of time. The components of the Children's Centre would be; a children's playroom, a transportation program, a parent program, a nursery program and special visitation programs. A detailed description of each of these components is included in this section of the study.

1. Philosophy The overlying philosophy should be to help women maintain and strengthen family relationships in a warm, supportive, non-threatening environment. The program's first priority must be the best interests of the children. Another aspect of the program must be to help inmates to become better parents and providers to improve their self-esteem and the family's future success in society.

37 ThLs philosophy is based on the limited research available in the area of the effects of incarceration on the inmate's family relationshies and the data collected from the staff and inmate's of Pine Grove.

2. The Children's Playroom

This must be a large well-equipped area for the children to use when visiting with their mothers at Pine Grove. This would be an area for the children to play with their mothers and other children. The room would be separate from the general visiting area.

The goals of the playroom should be: a) to nurture the relationships between the mother and child.

b) to provide a well-staffed play-based, educational program for the visiting children.

c) to provide a program and play materials which are developmentally appropriate for the visiting children. d) to provide a warm, safe, non-institutional atmosphere for the children.

e) to educate inmates to be competent caregivers and parents.

f) to support both mothers and children through advoàacy and counselling. ••1;?"

g) to model positive discipline and communication skills.

38 Th .e playroom would be staffed by a coordinator trained in child development, interpersonal communication and administration. The rest of the staff could be inmates and volunteers.- All staff would be trained in child care and be screened prior to working in the program. The number of staff needed would depend on the number of children, hours of operation and type of activity. Post-secondary students in child care 'programs may be a good source of volunteers for the program. Staff would be employed by the Children's Centre, not the Institution. The centre must provide an atmosphere of trust and rapport. The staff must only be responsible to the parent-child programs. A caregiver would not be seen as a guard and a guard cannot be a children's centre caregiver.

The playroom would be open seven days a week for at least six hours per day. This is especially important to facilitate children from locations a long distance from Prince Albert and for school-age children.

The staff would have weekly staff meetings, ongoing in-service training, and group-planned sessions.

A schedule for caregivers would be very important to ensure quality programming and supervision of the children.

39 Inmate mothers would be encouraged to stay with their children for the entire duration of the visit.

Due t the large percentage of native women at Pine GroVe, the program should incorporate traditional native culture parenting philosophies and methods.

Ideally, the playroom would be adjacent to the existing outdoor playground at Pine Grove. The playroom must be separate from the adult visiting area. Having the two areas separate allows the children to play without interferring with adult visits.

3. Transportation Program

One of the major deterrents to mother/child visits at Pine

Grove is transportation of the children to the centre. Many of the inmates and their families do not have the financial resources needed to provide in-person visits. It is not unusual for the women's family not to own a car, and rides from others may be unreliable. The children can sometimes be sent to Prince Albert via public transportation, but then there is the problem of getting the children from the bus depot, airport, etc. to Pine Grove which is located outside of the city. Due to the severity of this problem, the success of a children's centre would depend on the =c provision of a transportation program. The importance of such a program ensuring the success of family visits has been reported by

40 many existing programs such as the Children's Centre at Bedford Hills al.d the Match Programs.

The following suggestions may form the basis of a transportation program: a) Ideally, the transportation program should be part of the correctional institution's budget. Precedent has been set by court challenges which have made it mandatory for American correctional facilities to provide transportation for the families of inmates. In Sas- katchewan, Social Services pays mileage and costs to foster parents to take children to visit their mothers in prison. This money could go to community groups to provide transportation where foster parents are not in a position to take the children to Pine Grove. b) A local community service group could provide weekly rides to children in care of relatives or foster homes near the institution. This could be similar to many of the rides for seniors programs in existance in many communities. Drivers for the program should be screened, very knowledable about the program and be encouraged to form ongoing relationships with the children. C) A monthly "family express" to the institution could be formed by church groups, service groups, etc. There could be an express running out of major urban centres.

41 This could be in the form of cars, vans or a bus that meets groups of people at a central spot and transports them to Pine Grove and back. A person should be on bàard to provide support to the children and the drivers. d) A local service group could purchase or rent a van to provide pick up and delivery of children from local public transportation depots. e) In northern Saskatchewan children might be able to travel in and out of communities to Prince Albert with government employees such as health workers or social workers. f) The Children's Centre itself may set up its own transportation program and solicit funds from church groups, service groups, community members, and corporations. They may even get some transportation companies to donate free passes for children to travel in and out of their communities. No matter what the form of the transportation program, issues such as insurance, screening of drivers, driving records and program philosophy must be taken into account.

4. The Parent Program

The parent program could work out of any room in the institution. The goals of the centre should be:

42 a) to provide inmate mothers with knowledge and skills in parenting and child development. h) to enhance the inmate mothers educational and vocational skills and opportunity thereby improving their self- esteem and employability upon their re-entry into society. c) * to provide training for inmates who will work with children in the centre. d) to provide support services to the inmate mothers. e) to coordinate any fund raising activities for the children's centre that the inmates participate in.

There are many possibilities for the parent program, includ- ing: a) Parenting workshops could be offered based on what the inmates want or need. These should be on a voluntary basis and could be facilitated at little or no cost. People like the playroom staff, early childhood professionals, psychologists, doctors, nurses, community agency personnel, to name a few, may be willing to volunteer time and expertise to do a workshop. There are also many excellent parenting films available for a nominal rental fee. b) Children's playroom workshops could also be offered. These workshops could be used to train inmates who will be working with the children. They could also be used

43 to make materials and equipment for the playroom. These sessions could be offered once a month and be facilitated by community people and playroom staff. Topics such as story telling, puppets, first aid, and ctaft materials could be covered. c) Training courses could be offered. Some suggestions are a human growth and development, ealy childhood development, human services and trades training. These courses should be credit courses that lead to a recognized certificate, diploma or degree. Such training improves the inmates employability, but are often difficult to procure funding for. d) Social evenings could be planned for the inmate mothers to play bingo, cards, etc. This gives mothers a chance to share experiences and form friendships. Groups such 1 as the Elizabeth Fry Society may be able to help with this and supply simple prizes. These evenings could be on a weekly or monthly basis. e) The parent program could also coordinate support services for the mothers such as:

- liaising with community agencies like social services, legal aid, health units, etc. - counselling services for inmate mothers.

- mental health referrals for the inmates' children who may be in trauma or crisis. 1 44 I - teach the mothers to keep a folder of all corres- pondence dealing with their child's placement in foster care.

- arrange for uniimited inmate phone calls to children. The institution has a WATTS line, therefore the number of calls are not a factor. More telephones may have to be made available to inmates.

- make emergency visits to families who have no telephones and can only be reached by a personal visit.

- arrange for video tapes to be made and exchanged by mother and child.

- train inmates how to use letters, telephones and video tapes as effective ways to visit with their children. f) The parent program could develop a resource library for inmates related to the topics outlined in the goals of the program. g) The parent program could develop a resource list of family support agencies that the inmate mothers may need to access upon their release from prision. This could be given to each mother upon release. h) The parent program could take out memberships in the public library, toy lending libraries, etc. i) The parent program could make things to sell •to the public to raise funds for the Children's Centre.

45 j The parent program could liaise with other inmate programs at Pine Grove such as the literacy program, the health program, chemical abuse program, etc. The,se programs may be able to work on joint projects using joint funds and staff. k) The parent program could network between foster homes and halfway houses as well as explore the possibility of these facilities becoming satalites of the Children's Centre. 1) The parent program could develop informational booklets to answer questions that women and their children may have before the mother comes to prison. Newsletters could be disemminated to inform the inmates' families, foster homes and the public of the activities of the Children's Centre. 5. The Nursery Program

This program could be developed so that mothers who give birth during incarceration could bring their babies back to live with them at Pine Grove. The following are suggested parameters for this type of program:

a) pre-natal classes and examinations by a doctor would be mandatory.

b) the mother must be given a positive evaluation regardieg her mental and physical health.

c) the mother must be drug free.

46 d) the child will be under two years of age at the time of the mother's release from custody. e) ideally, the infants and mothers should be housed away from the general inmate population. In small institutions, this is not always feasible. f) the mother must take infant care training and care for her own baby. g) a developmentally appropriate stimulating, safe environment must be provided for the infants. h) the infant must undergo regular medical examinations.

The child's best interest would be of the utmost importance in this program. The goals of this program would be: a) to allow the attachment bond to form and be strengthened between the infant and mother who will be together upon the mother's release from prison. b) to provide the infants a safer, healthier start in life then they could have on the outside.

Although, probably the most controversial component of the Children's Centre, this program is often the most important. Based on what is known about bonding, it does not make sense to separate an infant from his mother just so they can be reunited within a short time span. The infant is very vunerable to harm from repeated separations from his primary caregiver. We must remember that children are the heart of the matter.

47 6. Sp,:cial Visitation Programs There are various options for special visitation programs. Pine Grove.already has one such program in orieration. This ie a 7 program of two special visiting days for families, a Christmas Party and Pow Wow Day. On these two days there are special activities and children and their inmate mothers can visit for extended periods.

The following programs do not exist at Pine Grove, but are options to be considered for future implementation.

Overnight visitation programs would fall into this category.

These programs can range from weekend stays to week-long stays. A family visiting unit at Pine Grove could be used to facilitate this type of program. It would need to have programming for the children and inmates as well as support services to be a truly effective program. Reports from existing programs suggest they are relatively trouble free for the institutions and that few, if any security problems come up (Prision Match, 1984).

Another program that would be in this category is a summer program. This program could be modelled after the summer program at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Bedford's program soltc- its host families from the local area to keep an inmate's chfld for one week. Each day of that week the child is taken to visit

48 with their mother from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The mother and child hr.ve a special lunch together, and take part in regular Day

Camp activities, or spend time alone, ab they choose. For the children whose guardians will not give them permission to stay away overnight the institution provides daily transportation. Fifteen to twenty children take part each week for a period of eleven weeks.

The program relies heavily on the help of the inmate staff and numerous volunteers. The program has proven to be beneficial for both the inmate's family and the host family. Some host parents in the community have found the experience so gratifying that they have volunteered to host the children on weekends so that they may visit with their mothers for a two day period. These weekends are scheduled once a month and there is a free bus to transport the children.

7. The Administration of a Children's Centre Program

A. Organizational Base A non-profit organization must be formed to receive grants and make contacts for the program. The institution cannot provide this service because:

a) adult correctional systems'are often not able to serve as advocates for inmate mothers and their children.

49 b) Public, tax supported institutions often cannot receive the private donations and grants you may want to seek. c) Prison administrations change - a _-: friendly director _ - - today could change to one less sympathetic to the program tomorrow.

There are two options for choosing an organizational base. A new non-profit organization could be formed. This would include going through the incorporation process and setting up a governing board. This takes time and effort but gives the program administrative independence.

The other avenue to pursue would be to become attached to an already existing non-profit organization. In this case the program shares the "parent" organization's established credibility when negotiating and seeking funding. The "parent" organization often charges an administration fee for fiscal and administrative services. This fee, depending on the percentage charged can be expensive. The program would have to decide whether the services provided warranted the fee. Some suggested "parent" organizations are community organizations such as The Elizabeth Fry Society, day care centres, community colleges, etc.

err

50 B. Staffing The program should be staffed as comprehensively as possible to provide quality family services. A team or steering committee of community and inmate staff for each component of the program would work well. Decision making structures must include inmate participation.

C. Program Advisory Board Whether the program is a separate non-profit organization or attached to another non-profit organization, it must have its own advisory board to set policy and provide program support.

The board must have a membership composed of inmates, correctional centre staff and community professionals. Because Pine Grove is the only correctional facility for women in Saskatchewan the community members should come from various locations in the province. Some suggestions for community members are social services professionals, early childhood educators, human service educators, native women organization members, community leaders and business people. The community sector will enhance program services and fund- raising potential. The three sectors (inmates, corrections staff, community members) should all have a vested interest in the program. This board combination would also encourage a "we" or "ours" attitude rather than a "we-they" attitude.

51 8. FuDding the Children's Centre There are several potential sources for program funding: jk. A. The Correctional Institution Ideally, the funding should come from the budget of the correctional institution that houses the program, because it is the inmate population that ultimately will benefit from it. This funding should be on a contract for service basis rather than having the institution hire program staff directly. This gives the program the autonomy from the prison that it requires for success.

B. Private Foundations

Foundations are sometimes quite liberal in their orien- tation and often able to recognize how much inmate mothers and their children need these services. Foundation funding is often short-term start up money. Foundation Directories

available in public libraries are often useful in locating foundations. The search should not be limited to Saskatche- wan, sometimes, foundations have a national or international mandate.

Some suggested sources are: - Clifford E. Lee Foundation - Laidlaw Foundation - The Canadian Committee on Early Childhood (0.M.E.P.) - The Kellogg Foundation - Donner Foundations

52 C. Private Corporations and Businesses This source of funding is sometimes tricky as they like to fund things that sell their product or enhance their image. Inmates do little to sell their product •and the business community often has conservative, stereotypical attitudes towards prisoners. If this type of program is to be sold to corporations, it must be done on societal econom- ics and community improvement. Corporate donners must be convinced that they are impX.oving society by helping the less fortunate and reducing the high social and economic costs of recidivism and juvenile delinquency to our communities. Some suggested sources are: - IBM Canada Ltd. - Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association - Sunalta Appraisals (1984) Ltd. - Applied Learning (Canada) - Xerox Canada Inc. - Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. - Labatt's Saskatchewan Brewery - Saskatchewan Teacher's Credit Union - Play and Learn Inc. - Gage Educational Publishing Ltd. D. Provincial and Federal Governments These sources of funding are often one-time funds. It is more difficult to obtain ongoing funding from governments in the present economic climate. It must be remembered that government funding is always subject to cuts and the competi- tion for funds is intense. To obtain government funding extensive proposals must be submitted and if funding is received it is conditional on evaluation and accountability. Some suggested sources are: - The Ministry of the Solicitor General of Canada - Health and Welfare Canada - Child Care Initiatives Fund and/or Family Violence Initiatives Fund - The Secretary of State - Women's Program - The Saskatchewan Department of Justice - The Correctional Service of Canada (federal women are incarcerated at Pine Grove) - The Department of Social Services - The Department of Indian Affairs

53 E. The Community Developing community support is paramount to the success of this type of program. It is often one of the best sources of onn.going funding. Presentations must be made to a mide range Of community groups to raise consciousness about the program issues and to collect contributions. It will - be necessary to research how individual community members or groups can provide funds and/or in-kind assistance. Examples of this may be raffles, benefits, and campaigns. This takes a lot of co-ordination through the advisory board. A yearly membership campaign may be started after the program has established its credibility. Non-profit organizations cannot donate funds but may supply volunteer help and community support. Some suggested sources of funding and/or volunteer help and support: - Services Groups (Rotary, Lions, Kinsmen) - Church groups (Mennonite Central Committee, denominational, inter-denominational) - Professional associations (Medical Association Teacher's Federation) - Community clubs (Alcoholics Anonymous, Royal Canadian Legion, Boy Scouts) - Social Service Organizations (S.H.A.R.E., United Appeal, Big Sisters and Brothers, The Elizabeth Fry Society) - Native Organizations (Native Outreach, Native Justice Program, I.S.U.E.W., Indian- Metis Friendship Centre, Native Co-ordinating Council, Prince Albert District Chiefs) F. Inmate Committee • Another way a non-profit organization can make money is through marketing goods or services. Inmates can make a variety of goods to sell such as pottery, books of their own stories and poems, baby clothes, quilts, indian handicrafts, and paintings. These goods could be sold in craft shops, ert galleries, raffles, etc. to raise money for the program. - • Inmates could also help design informational brochures about the program and make presentations about their program 54 throughout the province. This is one of the few ways avail- ab ,.e to the inmates to support the program in a concrete way.

XI. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH AND PROGRAMMING

Additional research needs to be done on inmate mothers and their children. Although the review of the literature for this study was by no means exhaustive, it is evident that there is a àefinite lack of Canadian research on this topic. More needs to be known about women in the corrections system. The data that is available, has been collected on women who are incarcerated. Little is known about mothers sentenced-to community work or other alternatives. One Canadian source of this type of information is "Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children" by the Canadian Associa- tion of Elizabeth Fry Societies.

Statistics on female inmates in Saskatchewan are often not a reliable basis for program development. The reasons for this are: a) small sample size. b) double counting of inmates serving a second sentence during the study. c) annual surveys often use different recording systems and questions. d) the unwillingness of inmates to offer honest information to corrections staff. e) information about the inmate's families is hard to obtain because the inmate fears intervention by Social Services. f) the custody arrangements an inmate makes for her children often change during her incarceration. g) studies of inmates do not ask for information about their families. h) data available is often based on averages; more specific information is needed to develop meaningful programs for inmates and their families.

55 i) surveys that have been completed tend to be spot or sample swveys which do not give an ongoing realistic view of the inmates.

Some süggestions for improving on the quality of data available in Saskatchewan are: a) have someone who is trained in collecting and analyzing emperical data, in consultation with institutional and programming staff, design a questionnaire or survey. b) this questionnnaire or survey should be completed with each inmate when they enter, and again when they are released from Pine Grove. c) The questionnaire, should be administered by someone who is non-threatening to the inmate and who is trained in admini- stering questionnaires. d) The inmates' anonymity must be ensured. e) The data should be entered and tabulated on computer for useful and rapid analysis. This would also facilitate the dissemination and coordination of research provincially and federally.

There is also a great need for the collection of information on inmate mother/child programs currently available in North America. This would _encourage the evaluation of such programs and the co-ordination of program development and planning. It is a waste of time, money and effort to "re-invent the wheel". Money would much better be spent on an information service and new program development. This information should also be used to evaluate the effects of recidivisim on families and whether the programs prevent apprehension in the children.

Even though the research done for this study was limited, it is clear thât there is a definite need for improved mother/family programs at Pine Grove.

56 Further research must be done on the specific needs of inmates e .id their children to develop a detailed Proposal for a Children's Centre.

From experience gained while completing this study, it is suggested that a six month time frame is necessary to properly. gather data and develop a comprehensive proposal for a workable Children's Centre at Pine Grove. Much more information must be gathered from staff and inmates, and support needs to be generated in the community at large.

In conclusion, the development of programs outlined in this study are only common sense for the future evolvement of Pine Grove. Given the benefits to the child evidenced by the research; the rehabilitative benefits to the mother; the benefits to the environment within the institution; and the fact that many mothers will rejoin their families upon release and will choose not to pursue employment but care for their children fulltime, it would be in the best interests of Pine Grove, and society as a whole, to promote inmate mother/child programming during the mother's internment. Ultimately, it must be remembered "For every mother doing time on the inside ... there's a family doing time on the outside."

57 BIBLIOGRPHY

NOTE: This bibliography serves as both a bibliography for this study and as a resource for the development of a chil- dr,en's centre and inmate/family visiting programs that may be developed at Pine Grove Correctional Instituti6n.

Adalist-Estrin, Ann., "Parenting From Behind Bars". Family Resource Coalition - Federal Corrections Report., vol. 1, 1986, pp. 12-16. Adalist-Estrin, Ann., "Parenting From Behind Bars". Nurturing Today: For Self and Family Growth - Families of Prisioners, vol. 10, no. 1, 1989, pp. 4-5. Adalist-Estrin, Ann and Susanne Blough Abbott., Play Therapy and Filial Therapy Techniques within a Child Care Setting: Buck County Rehabilitation Centre, pp. 7-9. Arias-Klein, "The Children of Incarcerated Female Offenders: The Forgotten Victims of Crime", Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Cincinnati, Ohio, November 7-11, 1984. Ayre-Juschke, Leslie„ Report on the Fathers-at-Large Program: Peace River Correctional Centre, May, 1985. Bakker, Laura, J., Barbara A. Morris and Laura M. Janus., "Hidden Victims of Crime", Social Work, March 1978, pp. 143-148. Barry, Ellen., "Imprisoned Mothers Face Extra Hardships", The National Prison Project, (Winter), 1987, pp. 1-4. Barry, Ellen., "Quality of Prenatal Care for Incarcerated Women Challenged", Youth Law News, (July-August), 1985, pp. 14-16. Barry, Ellen., "Children of Prisoners: Punishing the Innocent", Youth Law News, (March-April), 1985, pp. 12-18. Baunach, Phyllis Jo. Mothers in Prison. New Brunswick, New Jer- sey, Rutgers/Transaction Books, 1984. Bucks County Correctional Facility, Incarcerated Parents and Their Children (IPATC), Program report and Evaluation forms. Boudoures, James, Prisons and Kids: Programs for Inmate Parents. American Correctional Association, June 1985.

58 California Department of Corrections, Offices of the Community Resource Development, Friends Outside Prison Representative Pr'. gram: Report to the Leglistature, (AB2848, Chapter 1038, StLtutes of 1980), 1988. Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Society, Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children, April, 1986. Correctional Service of Canada, Breaking the Cycle of Family Violence: A Resource Handbook prepared for the Staff of Correctional Service of Canada, 1988. Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, Fact Sheet - "Mothers in Prison", September 1988. Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, Background Paper - Policies and Programs Developed to Address Parent/Child Separation Resulting from Incarceration, Faye Davis, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, February, 1989. Fishman, Hoffman Susan., Albert S. Allissi., "Strengthening Families as Natural Support Systems for Offenders", Federal Probation, pp. 16-21. Friends Outside, Santa Clara County., Fact Sheets and Newsletter, San Jose, California, 1988. Friends Outisde, National Office, Inmate Mothers and Their Children in Foster Care: A Family Unification Project, Final Report, 1989. Gilkinson, Bess. , Literacy Program Development Proposal for Pine Grove Correctional Centre, October, 1987. Giveans, David., "The Positive Effects of Child Development Classes on Incarcerated Fathers:, Nurturing Today: For Self and Family, Families of Prisoners, vol. 10, no. 1, 1989, pp. 16-17.

Haley, Kathleen., "Mothers Behind Bars: A Look at the Parental Rights of Incarcerated Women", New England Journal on Prison Life, Volume 4:1, 1977. Health and Welfare Canada - heath Promotion Directorate, Atlantic Region., Report of the Evaluation of the Field Test Stage of NOBODY'S PERFECT: A Parenting Program in the Atlantic Region, September, 1985. Health Promotion Directorate - Atlantic Region, Program Plan for NOBODY'S PERFECT, July, 1984. Updated, May 1986 & January, 1987.

59 Health Promotion Directorate, Prairie Region, Nobody's Perfect Trai.ner's Manual, 1989. Hildebrand-Raudsepp, H.A., "Excerpt from Open Circle Report", Novemb'er, 1982. Hoffman, S. -and Alissi, Albert., "Strengthening Èamilies as Natural System fpr Offenders", Federal Probation, Vol. 3, September 1979. Holt, Norman, Donald, Miller., Explorations in Inmate-FamilV Relationships", Report no. 46, Research Division, Department of California of Corrections, California, January, 1972. Homer, Eva Lee., "Inmate-Family Ties: Desirable but Difficult", Federal Probation, vol. 43, 1979, pp. 47-52. Johnson, Brian D., "Women Behind Bars", Equinox, March/April 1984. Key, Debra., Gloria Eyres., A Child Serving Time on the Outside, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 1987. Kirk, Nell., Prisoners Inmates' Women Cry, Sacremento Press, May 28, 1980. MacLeod, Linda., "Sentenced to Separation: An Exploration of the Needs and Problems of Mothers Who Are Offenders and Their Children", Solicitor General of Canada, 1986.

McCall, Carolyn., "Nurturing Parenting: How is it Possible Inside Prison", Nurturing Today: For Self and Family Growth, Families of Prisoners, vol. 10, no. 1, 1989, pp. 8-9. McPeck, Steve and Shau-Fai Tse., Bureau of Prisons Parenting Programs: Use, Cost and Benefits, The Office of Research and Evaluation, For Worth, Texas: April, 1988. Milne, Heather., An unpublished report - The Inmate Family Support Needs Assessment, the John Howard Society of Manitoba, March 1989. Mustin, James, W., "The Family: A Critical Factor For Corrections", Nurturing Today: For Self and Families, Families of Prisoners., vol. 10, no. 1, 1989, pp. 6-7. Northwest Iedian Child Welfare Institute, Positive Indian Parenting: Honoring our Children by Honoring our Traditions, A Mode] Indian Parent Training Manual, 1986.

60 0.M.E.P. Canada (Organization pour l'education Prescholaire), Resource Kit, Developing a "Preschool in Prison" Program, Au(;ust, 1987. "On Prisoners and Parenting: Preserving the Tie That Binds", Yale Law Journal, Vol. 87, 1978. Perry, Wingfield, P., The Forgotten Victim: An Exclusive Repport on the Families of Prioners. Pine Grove Correctional Institution, "Access of Visitors to and from Pine Grove," Pine Grove Institution Procedures, February 1989. Prison Match., (Mother's and their Children), Program pamphlets. 1984. Reddoch, Graham., A Report on the First National Conference on the Family and Corrections, Sacramento, California, April, 1988, Presented to the Department of the Solicitor General of Canada (May, 1988). Reynolds, R.M., "Inmates Learn the Art of Living with Children", Focus., vol. 5, April, 1985, p. 8.

Schiff, Salmon, Sari., A Report on 0.M.E.P.'s Preschool in Prison Project, Edmonton Institution, March, 1984.

Schiff, Salmon, Sari., "Preschool in Prison - Living with Children", Resource News, vol. 8, no. 7, March 1984. Showalter, David., "Male Offenders Problems Related to Family", Paper distributed at ACA Congress, Toronto, 1982. Reprinted in FCN Working Papers, February, 1985.

Solicitor General of Canada, "Getting Serious about Family Violence", Liason vol. 4, no. 10, November, 1988, pp. 11-14. Solicitor General of Canada, Solicitor General Annual Report, 1986-1987, Minister of Supply and Services Canada, 1988. Solicitor General of Canada, Solicitor General - 1988/89 Estimates, Part III, Expenditure Plan, 1988. Taylor, Helen, L. and Barbara M. Durr., "Preschool in Prison", Young Children, September, 1977, pp. 27-32. Ternes, Denis., The Delivery of Service to Families of Offenders, June, 1978.

61 The Corectional Service of Canada., The Mission Document of the Correctional Services of Canada, Consultation Draft, July, 191.!8.

The Saskatchewan Department of Corrections and Justice Services, Divisional Directive on Family Visiting Units, Section II,J; Number--75, Policy Manual, February, 1988. The Saskatchewan Department of Corrections and Justice Services, Divisional Directive on Visiting: Provincial Correctional Centres, Section II, Number 74, Policy Manual, December, 1987.

Townsend, Joyce, V., "Family Ties: A Parenting Program at F.S.C.C.", Focus, vol. 3, April, 1983, p. 11.

Townsend, Joyce, V., "The Preschool in Prison Project - 0.M.E.P., Canada", Paper presented at the International Toy Library Conference, Sharing Through Play, Toronto, Ontario, May 1984. Walker, Jan., Parenting From a Distance: Your Rights and Your Responsibilities, Danville, Ill.: The Interstate Printers and Publishers, Inc., 1987.

Weinthab, Judith F., "The Delivery of Services to Families of Prisoners", Federal Probation, December 1984, p. 28-31.

62 APPENDICES APPENDIX A

PINE GROVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

INMATE/FAMILY VISITS DECEMBER 1, 1988 TO MARCH 31, 1989 VISITOR'S PRESENT LENGTH INMATE # RESIDENCE VISITOR(S) AND AGE VISITOR BROUGHT BY DATE TIME OF VISIT

1 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 11 Foster Parent Dec. 3/88 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 2 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 8 Daughter-Age 3 Inmate's Brother Son-Age 2 and Cousin Dec. 4/88 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 2 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 8 Daughter-Age 3 Inmate's Brother Son-Age 2 and Cousin Dec.11/88 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 3 Prince Albert Daughter-No Age Rec. Not Recorded Dec.13/88 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 4 Regina Sister-Age 11 Sister-Age 18 Sister-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Dec.18/88 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 5 Regina Son-Age 3 Inmate's Brother Dec.18/88 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 6 Turnor Lake Son-Age 2 Social Services Dec.20/88 1:00-4:30 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 7 Saskatoon Daughter-Age 3 Son-Age 4 Daughter-Age 1 1/2 Not Recorded Dec.23/88 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 2 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 8 Daughter-Age 3 Inmate's Brother Son-Age 2 and Cousin Dec.24/88 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 8 Regina Daughter-Age 11 Inmate's Mother Dec.24/88 1:15-? N/A 1 Prince Albert Two Granddaughters- Ages unrecorded Inmate's Sister Dec.28/88 1:15-? N/A

9 Melfort . Son-Age 5 Inmate's Common ep Son-Age 6 Law Spouse Jan. 1/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 1 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 11 Son-Age 7 Unrecorded Jan. 2/89 1:20-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 5 Regina Son-Age 3 Inmate's Brother Jan. 8/89 1:15-4:00 p.m. 2 3/4 hrs. 10 2 /di halm IOW 11111• gaelliliM°We IN 111111 UM MI 11111 WM MI Mt Mil it MO IIIIIII • UM MR OBI

VISITOR'S PRESENT LENGTH INMATE # RESIDENCE VISITOR(S) AND AGE VISITOR BROUGHT BY DATE TIME OF VISIT

11 Saskatoon Daughter-Age 6 Elizabeth Son-Age 4 Fry Society Jan.15/89 1:45-5:00 p.m. 3 1/4 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmates Mother & Jan.15/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. Father 13 Unrecorded Son-Age 18 Son-Age 17 Son-Age 15 Son-Age 14 Inmate's Husband Jan.21/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 1 Prince Albert Son-Age 7 Unrecorded Jan.22/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 14 Unrecorded Son-Infant Unrecorded Jan.23/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 1 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 12 Foster Mother Jan.28/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 2 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 9 Daughter-Age 4 Son-Age 3 Unrecorded Jan.28/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 10 Saskatoon Daughter-Age 3 Foster Mother Jan.29/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs.

1 Prince Albert Son-Age 7 Foster Mother Feb. 5/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Feb. 5/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. & Father 14 Saskatoon Son-Age 2 Inmate's Friend Feb. 5/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 1 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 12 Foster Mother Feb.11/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 15 Saskatoon Son-Age 6 Son-Age 9 Daughter-Age 2 Daughter-Age 1 Foster Parents Feb.12/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 16 Unrecorded Daughter-Infant Age 6 weeks Foster Mother Feb.12/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 10 Saskatoon Daughter-Age 3 Foster Mother Feb.12/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 17 Prince Albert Son-Age 7 Son-Age 8 Unrecorded Feb.12/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 18 Unrecorded Son-Infant Daughter-Age 2 Foster Mother Feb.14/89 10:30-3:00 p.m. 4 1/2 hrs. 6 Prince Albert Son-Age 2 Foster Mother Feb.16/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Feb.17/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. & Father

VISITOR'S PRESENT LENGTH INMATE # RESIDENCE VISITOR(S) AND AGE VISITOR BROUGHT BY DATE TIME OF VISIT 13 Unrecorded Son-Age 18 Son-Age 17 Son-Age 15 Son-Age 14 Inmate's Husband Feb.18/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 14 Saskatoon Son-Age 2 Inmate's Friend Feb.19/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 17 Prince Albert Son-Age 7 Son-Age 8 Unrecorded Feb.19/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 16 Unrecorded Daughter-Infant 8 weeks old Inmate's sister Feb.23/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 10 Saskatoon Daughter-Age 3 Foster Mother Feb.26/89 1:15.4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 1 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 11 Son-Age 7 Foster Mother Feb.26/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Mar. 1/89 1:45-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. & Father 18 La Loche Daughter-Age 1 1/2 Foster Parents Mar. 5/89 10:00-4:00 p.m. 6 hrs. 19 Unrecorded Son-Age 4 Unrecorded Mar. 8/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 1 Prince Albert Son-Age 7 Inmate's Brother Mar. 11/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 10 Saskatoon Daughter-Age 3 Foster parents Mar. 12/89 1:15-4:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Mar. 12/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. & Father 1 Prince Albert Daughter-Age 12 Unrecorded Mar. 18/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 18 La Loche Daughter-Age 1 1/2 Foster Parents Mar. 19/89 10:00-4:00 p.m. 6 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Mar. 19/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. & Father 20 Prince Albert Son-Age 3 Daughter-Age 1 1/2 Foster Parents Mar. 24/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 21 Unrecorded Daughter-Age 10 Foster Parents Mar.25/89 1:15-2:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Mar. 25/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. & Father 15 Saskatoon Son-Age 9 Foster Parents Mar.26/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. 15 Saskatoon Son-Age 9 Son-Age 6 Daughter-Age 3 Daughter-Age 1 1/2 Foster Parents Mar. 28/89 1:15-3:45 p.m. 3 1/2 hrs. 22 Sturgeon Lake Son-Age 12 Inmate's Mother Mar.28/89 & 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. Father In--Law 12 Leask Daughter-Age 2 Inmate's Mother Mar.31/89 3:15-4:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hrs. & Father 23 Prince Albert Son-Age 14 Son-Age 11 Unrecorded BID an 111111 IM OBI 111W-211W aihrs. .APPENDIX B CHILD VISITATION SURVEY

1. 45 surveys were distributed to inmates. 30 inmates responded to the survey. 2. Inmates who have children 22 Inmates who do not have children 8 3. The number of children per inmate: 1 child 6 inmates 2 children 6 inmates 3 or 4 children 5 inmates 5 to 11 children 5 inmates 4. Age grouping of the children of the inmates who responded: infant (0 - 23 months) 6 pre-school (2-5 years) 10 school-age (6-12 years) 15 teen-age 913-18 years) 10 no response 19

5. The number of mothers who had visits from their children: Yes 4 - two mothers had a visit in 1987 - one mother had a visit in 1987 - one mother had one visit in last 6 months No 18 6. Would the inmate like to see their children more often? Yes 20 No 2 Reasons why they said no: a) my children are too old and don't want to visit. b) my children were taken away at birth by Social Services, i have 11 children. 7. Why don't your children visit more often: - Lack of funds to get children to Pine Grove. - Most of us are on welfare and our babysitters can't afford to bring the children. - Because we are allowed only one visit per week. - Improper visiting facilities. The visiting area is by the front entrance where the main office is and new inmates are checked in here. We have to keep the children from running around and there are no toys or anything -for them to do. They want to go into the offices. - I don't feel the children should see this place (the grill, etc.) I feel it may be too traumatic for my children. I would still like to see my children. - I haven't been here long enough. My children are in a Manitoba Foster Home. There were no foster homes available in Saskatchewan and Social Services " said the foster parents would not want to be bothered driving children up here. The people taking care of my child feel it is too far to drive. I don't think they want to bring my childto thisll face. The child'e guardians work. - It would pe impossible to schedule weekly visits for al l mothers to visit their children every week with the present facilities at Pine Grove. It is too hard on the children when they have to say good- il bye. Foster parents want 10 to 15 dollars from us to bring ourll children. This is impossible when we only make $3.80 per day in salary. I have sent money to relatives to bring my children for all visit. They spent the money on something else and I didn't get to see my children. Their children don't know why their mommies can't come homell with them after the visit. Because they were taken away from me by Social Services from their birth. Because my girl lives in Regina and has no way of transportation also her grandmother couldn't afford it and if she could a two hour visit wouldn't be worth it. They are unable. There aren't any good family facilities for visiting, and1 with this once a week visiting only back lashes on the rest of the inmates who want/need family visits. I can't afford it -- too far, guardians work. Too far to come -- can't afford it, guardians work. They come from Regina. Too far to drive from La Loche. I would suspect lack of financing. It is too traumatic for_my young children. Funds are too short - Residence where they live is too far-11 visits are too short for the distance travelled. Transportation problems. Visiting hours are too short on time. Most of us are from outside of Prince Albert Improper visiting facilities, only 1 1/2 hours to spendli visiting is too little an amount to time to spend with them to have them come up from Saskatoon.

8. Please explain what facilities and programs you would like to see 1 at Pine Grove for visiting your children.

.e. Or own family visiting unit complete with a nurseiye area, 1 kitchen area, washing facilities, games area and lots of books, art materials and toys for children of all ages. A support program for the mothers. 1 Longer visiting hours. I would like to see my baby more often than once a week, and private setting. in a 1 1 - A place where a mother could spend a night -or weekend with her children. It makes a person feel better to sleep with their loved ones. - Facilities to allow neonatal mothers to bond with their npwborn infants. - A home environment without bars, guards, etc. - A nùrsery school facility where the young ones could intermingle witt other children and other parents. - In here all conversation dwells on• family life and their concerns about their happiness and outside influence. There should be more done to emphasize family relations on a more regular basis. Outside swings, monkey bars, slide and a sandbox. Have a building resembling a red school house. Inside there would be room for visiting around tables and chairs, so you can get away from the jail atmosphere and the kids would be in an atmosphere of playschool with the mothers playing with them. - A day care facility. - Everything possible. - Transportation to Pine Grove from the city of Prince Albert. Family visiting unit so there are just private visits, not alot of visiting together. It's confusing for the kids. We would like to eat with our children so we could be together at meal time and this way get closer to our children. - Why do men in this province have family visiting units and we don't? - A family visiting unit would and should be highly considered, especially now, when the government is trying to run the institution as a men's centre. - A family visiting unit. When a person is in jail they really miss their children. When they are small, that's when a mother should attend to her children, at least I sure would like to. - Family unit - day care. - I would like to see a program which may enable the inmates to spend more time with their children. A day care would be an excellent start even if it were for the 6-8 hours per family per week/month or however arranged. - Transportation to Pine Grove for the children. Private visits so the children aren't confused by too much happening around them. - A longer visit. - A separate entrance for the children to the visiting area so that they don't have to go through the grill. - A homelike environment devoid of bars and prison-like conditions. Programming for mothers and children. - An infant nursery program is needed so that the mothers can keep their babies with them. - A non-institutional home environment where we can have lots S. of physical contact with our children. - A more suitable homelike atmosphere with some privacy. - A playground adjacent to the visiting area where mothers can take their children to play. We presently have a playground" that is very seldom used. - A-place where a mother could spend a nite or weekend with her Most women would like more time with their chil- children. drpn not just a couple of hours. - 2N.-family visiting unit for husbands, common law Si:louses-11 children. A homier environment without bars, guards, etc. Child care facilities to spend a couple of days with our" children. - Children are entitled to the same facilities here as on the outside. Special dorms would be a good idea. - A program to ensure that money inmates send to relatives isll spent on getting the children to Pine Grove to visit their moms. 9. Explain what you see as your role in setting up facilities and programs for visiting children: moral support for mothers. help to get the program started with ideas such as parenting skills needed, a book for kids, about what jail is and what" to expect while visiting. we could all help by making the place look like a home, sewing, painting, cleaning. making things to see for money to buy toys and equipment. making it a work placement. to help advise and staff the area. I'm a mother willing to co-operate. or I would help develop the programming for both inmates and children. I would help with the children, cleaning and whatever else" needs to be done for the visiting area. It would be nice toll see a family visiting area. Prison life is very lonely without your children. working with the institution and the people funding thell visiting unit so we can make it a success. I just would like to see that the inmates have their rights. I don't have any kids but I would help set up programs for ll others.

Co-operation - being a mother. I would see myself very involved in a family visiting unit - i as to set up the facilities and of course the programming for both inmates and children. SOL.GEN CANADA L B B et. [

111 1 1110000004003 111

HV 8886 .C2 83 1989 A needs assessment and feas ibillty study for a childre n's centre at Pine Grove Co

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