The latest issue of the Missouri Catholic Conference’s Messenger and podcast, MCC from the Capitol, discusses the new prison nursery program at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia.
Missouri is one of 10 states in the country with a correctional nursery program. Before the program’s launch, incarcerated mothers were typically separated from their newborns within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. Infants were usually placed with relatives or sometimes were placed into the foster care system. For some women, the fear of placing their child in a difficult or unstable environment led them to choose abortion. This program offers a different path—one grounded in dignity, healing, and the belief in second chances.
In the Messenger, three women courageously shared their journey to prison and their hopes for their child and the future. While incarcerated, the mothers assume full-time caregiving responsibilities, engage in parenting and therapeutic sessions, and work to build a safe, nurturing environment in preparation for life after prison. You can read the full Messenger at the MCC website here.
MCC from the Capitol talks with Kim Perkins, nursery program manager at WERDCC. Kim discusses the challenges and successes of the program. “This is going to be transformative for the women who come through this program,” she said. “I believe we are going to see huge changes in the lives of the women — and reduced recidivism rates — because they’ll be leaving with a strong bond with their baby.” You can listen to the full podcast on the MCC website here.