Update on How Child Care Helps Children Born to Incarcerated Mothers

New Horizons Child Care program provides one-on-one care for children in the early stages of their lives until their moms are released. In most cases, the care is given by nannies who are part of a household, with several children in each home. It is well documented that early childhood experiences play a critical role in shaping a child’s future, and our program aims to provide a positive foundation for these children. By providing them with a nurturing environment, we hope to give them the best possible start in life, regardless of their circumstances.

During the effects of Covid, the Department of Corrections changed sentencing laws, which kept anyone with a health condition from being sentenced to prison. Because of this, the number of women in prison that were pregnant eventually became non-existent. During this time, our Child Care staff began focusing their care on other areas of need, while we waited patiently when the need would once again arise for caring for children born to incarcerated women.

As things began to return to normal in the Department of Corrections, slowly the need for childcare began to return as well. Since March 2022, the Child Placement Agency has placed three children who were born to incarcerated women in the care of foster families. We are so grateful for the opportunity to care for these children in one of the most vulnerable times of their life! In addition to that, we have continued to walk with women who are incarcerated, which includes weekly visits with their children, leading them in Bible studies, and providing them with birth and pregnancy classes through the care of doulas (certified birthing assistants).

With the growing need for Child Care and support for women who are pregnant while incarcerated, we are hoping to open our Child Care Houses once again to accommodate more children. Currently, the foster families that are a part of New Horizons’ team are almost at capacity. With Child Care houses, nannies can give children one-to-one care, with multiple children in the household. Each household requires houseparents, to oversee the operations of the house and care for the emotional and spiritual needs of the nannies who are caring for the children.