MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING OF WOMEN PRISONERS IN INDIA:

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

AUTHOR : DEVADHARSHINI. S

MOBILE NO : 9965509000

EMAILID :devadharshiniselvaraj28@gmail.com

YEAR & DEPARTMENT : 5th year BCOM.LLB(HONS)

INSTITUTION : School of Excellence in Law,

Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University

CO-AUTHOR : HARESHUKESHA. S

MOBILE NO : 7358676722

EMAIL ID : hareshukesha2002@gmail.com

YEAR & DEPARTMENT : 5th year BCOM.LLB(HONS)

INSTITUTION : School of Excellence in Law,

Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University

 ABSTRACT
Incarceration of women often leads to significant disruptions in their family dynamics,
affecting their roles as mothers and caregivers. Despite the alarming increase in the number of women
entering the criminal justice system, there remains a paucity of research and attention on the specific
needs of incarcerated mothers in India.

This paper examines the impact of incarceration on their parenting abilities, and the
consequences for their children and families. It sheds light on the socio-economic, cultural, and legal
barriers that hinder access to adequate parenting resources and support for incarcerated mothers.
Moreover, the paper explores the existing provisions and policies within the Indian correctional
system to safeguard the rights of these women and ensure the well-being of their children.

To address the complexities of motherhood in prison, this abstract also discusses potential
interventions and programs aimed at promoting positive parenting skills, fostering mother-child
relationships during incarceration, and facilitating successful reintegration post-release. The
significance of mental health support, educational opportunities, and vocational training for
incarcerated mothers is also highlighted, as these factors can greatly influence their ability to provide
a stable and nurturing environment for their children.

The abstract also discusses the broader socioeconomic ramifications of raising kids
whose mothers are in prison, highlighting the necessity of a multifaceted strategy that includes a
range of stakeholders like governmental organisations, non-profit organisations, and community
support networks.

This abstract emphasizes the need for research, policy development, and implementation
to address the challenges faced by Indian jailed mothers. Recognizing the significance of motherhood
and parenting can promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and ensure the welfare of both mothers
and their children.

KEYWORDS: maternal incarceration, parenting in prisons, child care in prison, custodial

separation, parenting behind bars