Development of an educational/support group for pregnant women in prison.
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
10-2-2008
Abstract
It is estimated that 6-10% of women are pregnant when they enter the prison system. The majority have had little, if any, prenatal care and/or childbirth education. Given economic constraints, the educational and support needs of this population are often not met. In response to these needs, an educational/support group was developed and led by a social worker, a mental health clinical nurse specialist, and a nurse midwife in a women's correctional facility in the Northeast. Women in various stages of pregnancy and early postpartum voluntarily attended. The need for education and psychosocial support was overwhelming. This group fostered a safe space for women to discuss real-life issues in a supportive environment. Meeting the educational and support needs of incarcerated women is paramount.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of forensic nursing
Volume
4
Issue
2
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Ferszt, Ginette G., and Debra A. Erickson-Owens. "Development of an educational/support group for pregnant women in prison.." Journal of forensic nursing 4, 2 (2008): 55-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2008.00010.x.