SELECTION

Every pregnant woman entering the WCCW institution can apply to the Residential Parenting Program while in Receiving, although a rigorous screening and selection process is done to optimize the pregnant woman’s success. Women that are not eligible will need to consider other traditional options: placing the baby with relatives, foster care, adoption, or abortion.

Guidelines for screening include: minimum custody status, length of sentence less than 3 years after the expected birth, current and past criminal history, history of violent crime convictions, past involvement with Child Protective Service, prior history of parental rights termination, and observed behavior which could be detrimental to the smooth operation of the program and children’s safety. The RPP Review Committee follows the guidelines while also considering the uniqueness of each situation. Ultimately, the Superintendent reviews the committee’s recommendations and makes the final decision.

The pregnant inmate also has responsibilities. She must fill out an application stating why she wants to participate and who (if anyone) will be available for the baby should an emergency occur (medical crisis, court appearance, inmate infraction). The applicant must appear before the RPP Review Committee to discuss their concerns and her intentions. Once accepted, the RPP mother is obligated to complete caregiver training, participate in parenting classes, help keep the living quarters clean, and be accountable for her own child as well as being helpful to the other mother-baby pairs.

After the pregnant inmate hears the news she has been accepted into the RPP, she can settle in, nest, and anticipate the birth of her baby.

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