Better care changes the lives of inmate mothers, their children
Children living in the reformatory and punitive establishments in Ajman and Sharjah are being raised in a loving and caring environment, say officials.
They are given care that is similar to what is provided at home. Mothers are allowed to spend time with the children daily so they can share the attachment and maternal love during infancy and childhood.
The establishments in both the emirates have initiated nurseries which are equipped with cribs, breastfeeding chairs, colourful curtains, play areas and all other babies’ items and toys. Baby food and milk formula are also being supplied to children in the nurseries in which well-trained care givers are assigned to provide all kind of care to the children and their mothers.
In Sharjah, the Reformatory and Punitive Establishment (SRPE) has initiated Dar Al Man nursery in coordination with the Department of Social Services Sharjah (DSSS) in 2008 to provide necessary care for children between two and five years.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mariam Ismail, director of Dar Al Man, said that currently there are 20 children of women inmates. “The children of inmates will be handed over to their mothers when the latter complete their jail term. The centre also provides care for children of Emirati inmates even after their release from jails,” Mariam added.
The centre also ensures that rights of these children are protected by providing them with necessary documents for pursuing education and to enjoy benefits of health and social services.
“We also coordinate with the departments concerned to pay their school fees and provide training to all inmates to gain skills so that they can start some projects that help them earn an income,” said Mariam.
“The services provided to the children are aimed at making their mothers feel that lives of their children are normal.”
The centre also allows the inmates to breastfeed their babies in a convenient atmosphere and also provides vaccines and health services by issuing them health cards.
It teaches the mothers to take proper care of their children and to cope with the changes in the society. “The children of inmate mothers are being raised in a decent atmosphere, as the babies sleep in cribs in the nursery and the mothers can spend as much as time they want with them,” she commented.
Mariam added that the primary objective of the prison nursery is to create a stronger attachment between the mother and the child as this will make the mother commit less crimes.
“Mothers in cells have strong ties with their families and this provides a greater chance for positive rehabilitation,” she added.
The nursery programme facilitates this relationship by creating a supportive environment for development of a powerful bond between the mother and her children.
Since female inmates in prison nursery have few other obligations, children have almost continual contact with their mothers and the ensuing relationship tends to be extremely close.
The nursery also provides parenting education and treatment programmes which is aimed at creating an opportunity for a substantive change in the mother’s lifestyle following her release.
Besides providing comprehensive care and daily needs for children such as clothing, nutrition and supervision of breastfeeding, the overall health of the children is also taken care of.
Col Khalifa Al Merri, Director of SRPE, said that the nursery, since its establishment, has raised a number of children who have left the prison with their mothers after they completed their prison term. “They enjoy the maternal love and affection. This promotes psychological development, maximises emotional stability and will increase the child’s intellectual capabilities,” he said.
In Ajman, the case is different, according to a top official. The nursery is being managed by the Ajman Police which provide all necessary services and care.
The official said that the female inmates have never been separated from their children. The children behind the bars include infants and those aged up to seven years. There is a well-equipped nursery that includes beds, play areas and feeding areas. There are also nannies and teachers to take care of the children.
The Ajman Police are planning an expansion of the nurseries to accommodate more than 160 children during this year. A new facility will be established for childcare to ensure that the children of the inmates are growing in a decent environment.
He explained that rehabilitation centre of Ajman Reformatory and Punitive Establishment (ARPE) facilitates psychological and social rehabilitation of the inmate mothers and also makes great efforts to encourage them to integrate themselves with society when they complete their jail term. Proper raising methods are taught for their children to prepare them for the future.
They enjoy the maternal love and affection. This promotes psychological development, maximises emotional stability and will increase the child’s intellectual capabilities.” Col Khalifa Al Merri, Director of SRPE