Indiana Women's Prison Wee One's Nursery Program

2009

The W.O.N. at the Indiana Women?s Prison is the seventh nursery program in the United States, and is modeled after a similar program in Ohio. The Department of Correction selects eligible offenders for participation in the W.O.N. program, and has room for up to 12 mothers and their infant children at any given time. Mothers and their babies will have private rooms in one housing unit. A small cadre of trained nannies from the offender population will also live in the housing unit, and be available to assist the mothers in providing care for their infants while the mothers attend classes, counseling appointments, and similar obligations. The program components include: 1) the provision of disposable equipment for the babies (diapers, clothing, food); 2) training of mothers and staff using the Safe Sitter ? curriculum; and 3) training in child development to mothers and staff. Dr. Angela Tomlin with the RCDC provides training in child development. Dr. Steven Koch with the RCDC provides evaluation of the program.

Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation

Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities

Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Geographic Areas, Geographic Area - Other, Other

Single-County

N/A