By Chanel Martin
The Stylus
BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. — A new program implemented at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women will allow women to raise their children behind bars, according to ABC News.
Approximately 2,000 inmates who give birth in prison have their children taken away from them shortly thereafter. Bedford is one of few women’s prisons that allows incarcerated moms to keep their newborns, in some cases until the babies are 18 months old.
Women convicted of violent crimes, arson or crimes involving children are not allowed into Bedford’s program. Inmates who are accepted in the program, however, are not treated differently. Aside from living in a separate wing from the general population, inmates are not allowed to have cell phones, jewelry or wear makeup. They are also only allowed three photos per month of their child.
Full story: Program allows female inmates to raise children behind bars