Missouri’s first prison nursery program welcomed its first baby last week. Baby Dawson is the first infant to join the new program at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correction Center in Vandalia. According to a post by the Missouri Department of Corrections, resident caregivers and staff described Dawson, born to WERDCC Dallas Strunk, as “very chill”.
The nursery wing in the Vandalia prison is the first of its kind in Missouri and the 10th nationally. Under the 2022 bill establishing the program (which was supported by the MCC), eligible pregnant inmates and the children born to them can reside in the institution together for up to 18 months, post-delivery. Previously, pregnant inmates in Missouri were separated from their newborns shortly after birth. In addition to being able to care for and bond with their new babies, the mothers will receive support in caring for their child, reentry services, and learning opportunities to reduce recidivism.