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their mothers until the age of 5. Now, babies are only
allowed to stay in that environment for two years.
In some prisons, the mothers and their babies mix
with all kinds of criminals – which could prove to
be even more detrimental to the child's wellbeing.
However, when they’re separated from their
mothers, they are forced to step into an unfamiliar
world which brings with it almost as much trauma.
Babies Behind Bars seems to be the best solution
to this problem. It’s a Non-profit organization,
founded in 2007 by Romy Titus, which recognises
that prison's current form of "care" babies is not the
best. Every child needs to be well cared for in order
for them to thrive.
According to Lisa Vetten, senior researcher at
Wits, “the babies are neither the responsibility of
the department of correctional services nor the
department of social development”. The outcome
of this statement leads to mothers and babies
facing harsh conditions (especially in winter season
whereby nappies take forever to dry and warm
clothing is minimal).
ccording to the latest statistics by the
department of correctional services,
there are at least 129 South African
babies living with their mothers behind
bars. And, sadly, the number keeps
growing. It should be obvious that a prison cell is
no conducive place to raise a child. But should a
mother lose the right to bond with their offspring or
does it make more sense for the prison environment
to be optimized?
The venture ensures that the babies have toys,
nappies, clothes and a play area. And to intensify
mother-child bonds, Babies Behind Bars provides
parenting classes. These minor implementations
have created a homely environment for the babies,
while making a warm difference in the lives of the
incarcerated women.
It has been proven that prison can cause permanent
psychological effects for an individual due to
isolation and deprivation. Further research has
shown that 80% of kids who are born behind bars
or exposed to prison between the ages of 0-5 years,
end up back there at some point in their lives.
Before 2008, the babies were allowed to stay with
41
Thankfully, the organization has been a tremendous
blessing on babies who seem to be forgotten by
society.
The public’s contributions towards this effort will
make the stay of infants much happier and bearable.
In the long run, this could benefit not only the
psychology of these children but the mindset of the
future generations as well. After all, it does take a
village to raise a child.
For more information, follow the organiz F