By C1 Staff
NEW CASTLE — Pregnant women with drug addictions facing prison time have a new option to avoid giving birth in prison – the New Expectations program.
NBC News reports that most judges sentence pregnant offenders to prison, knowing that they’ll get clean inside and receive the medical treatment needed for a healthy baby.
New Expectations is a group home in Newark for expectant or new mothers recovering from addiction; it offers a high level of supervision and treatment away from the physical and emotional stress of prison.
The program doesn’t accept women convicted of crimes involving violence or children, or those with behavioral issues.
Women can be sentenced to the program in lieu of prison as part of their probation. Those participating report to a probation officer weekly and must submit to random drug tests. The home is monitored around the clock by corrections staff; women may not leave the house unsupervised, smoke, or hold money in the house.
Women see an obstetrician regularly, receive prenatal care, and outpatient substance abuse treatment. They also take parenting and life-skills classes.
At present, New Expectations has funding for up to three years. Since its opening, corrections officials have been briefing judges so that they know it’s available as an option.
Six women have participated in the program, with three failing after violating house rules. The house can accommodate up to 17 women and infants.