Pregnant In Federal Prison

Pregnant In Federal Prison

PPRS - PPRSUS - Physician Presentence Report Service

A significant percentage of women entering prison are of the age where they’re sexually active, are either at risk for pregnancy, or are already pregnant.

Federal – While onsite nurseries are not available, they do have limited offsite programs

  1. MINT: Mothers and Infants Together (MINT) Program (GAO, Page 79)
  2. RPP: Residential Parenting Program (RPP) (GAO, Page 82).
  3. A reason to be very proactive:

Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Review of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Management of Its Female Inmate Population, Evaluations and Inspections Division 18-05 (Washington, DC: September 2018).

 

I) Fort Worth, Texas (Mothers and Infants Nurturing Together (MINT) Program, Tx.);

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CONTACT: The “Little House”, houses the MINT women and their babies.

Volunteers of America Texas, 2710 Avenue J., Fort Worth, Texas 76105, 817) 535-0853

BOP (PS 5200.02, CN-1):

  • If RRC placement is medically appropriate and documents this on the Medical/ Psychological Pre-Release Evaluation (BP-A0351), which is forwarded to Unit Management.
  • Direct court commitments have a secondary designation noted on the Inmate Load and Security Designation form (BP-A0337).

From the GAO-21-147, Pregnant Women in DOJ Custody, Page 79

  • They also have a Residential Reentry Center for men.
  • They work to reduce recidivism and the stigma for children born to incarcerated parents, by enhancing the bond between the mother and infant, while teaching the women how to care for their infants and be better citizens.
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  • Women have a weekly check-in with a nurse and are taken outside of the facility for prenatal care.
  • The program holds up to six women at one time.
  • They usually have approximately two or three participants at any given time,
  • And approximately 10 participants annually.
  • The women typically stay 3 months postpartum and BOP officials noted that women may request an additional 6-month extension (PS 5200.02, CN-1, page 16).
  • When interviewed by GAO staff, the women stated that they received regular medical care, including any special care that was needed, and any special accommodations that they requested.
  • The mother is then returned to an institution to complete her sentence, if necessary.

II) The Greenbrier ‘MINT’ Program, WV.

CONTACT: Operates under The Baltimore Residential Reentry Office, Baltimore Maryland, Appalachian Mountains in Pocahontas County, Hillsboro, WV. Facility Director: Starlena Robertson, Case Manager’s Susan Lane or Mary Eggert, (304) 653-4882 or (304) 653-4570, mint3vz@frontiernet.net

BOP (PS 5200.02, CN-1):

  • If RRC placement is medically appropriate and documents this on the Medical/ Psychological Pre-Release Evaluation (BP-A0351), which is forwarded to Unit Management.
  • Direct court commitments have a secondary designation noted on the Inmate Load and Security Designation form (BP-A0337).
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  • Here they promote maternal bonding and parenting skills in a home-like environment.
  • There is no medical care provided onsite.
  • Mental health providers offer onsite services twice weekly and women are taken outside of the facility for prenatal care.
  • The program has ten staff and can hold up to 20 women at one time.
  • The program has approximately 10 participants at any given time and approximately 20 annually.
  • The women typically stay 3 months postpartum and BOP officials noted that women may request an additional 6-month extension (PS 5200.02, CN-1, page 16).
  • Interviewed by GAO staff, the women stated that they received regular medical care, including any special care that was needed, and any special accommodations that they requested.
  • One woman stated that she appreciated the welcome basket she received upon arriving at the Hillsboro MINT program of donated items such as toiletries for the woman, as well as infant clothing and accessories.
  • The mother is then returned to an institution to complete her sentence, if necessary.

III) Residential Parenting Program (RPP), Washington State Department of Corrections

CONTACT: Sonja Alley, Correctional Unit Supervisor, Washington Corrections Center for Women, Washington State Department of Corrections (253) 858-4200 X 8274, sonja.alley@doc.wa.gov

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BOP (PS 5200.02, CN-1):

  • Unit Team completes the BP-A0210, Institutional Referral for CCC Placement, and submits it to the Seattle Residential Reentry Manager.
  • Furloughs are only accepted Tuesdays through Thursdays at RPP. Release residence can be to any state.
  • The Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) may also refer initial designations to the Seattle Residential Reentry Manager, with a copy to the Female Offender Branch Administrator.

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Dr. M Blatstein

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