Philippine E-Journals

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHERS: BASIS FOR PROGRAM FORMULATION

EDNA SANCHEZ

 

Abstract:

This study entitled “Problems Encountered by Incarcerated Mothers: Basis for Program Formulation” was conducted to assess the problems encountered by imprisoned mothers. Moreover, this study aimed to create a program that will help the incarcerated mothers in dealing and coping with the addressed problems. The researchers utilized descriptive method survey research design to determine the problems encountered by incarcerated mothers in terms of psychological and physical aspects. The researchers utilized a validated questionnaire for 137 incarcerated mothers of the Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong City, which immediately retrieved, tallied and subjected for statistical analysis for interpretation. The statistics safely concluded that the assessment of the respondents on the problems encountered by incarcerated mothers have high significant differences. The researchers came up to the conclusion that majority of the mother respondents from the Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong City, were 41 to 50 years old, which were confined in prison for 15 years and above, married to an employed husband who came home daily from work, whom aside from grandparent is the one who had the custody of their children aging 20 years old and above. Most of them in terms of cognitive aspect, highly experienced of being concerned or worried about what might happen to their children and family during their incarceration.In terms of emotional aspect, they highly experienced the feeling of being rejected or sad when they think of their children. In terms of physical aspect, they highly experienced broken sleep or cannot sleep due to bereavement to their family. Further, the researchers recommended that the Correctional Institution for Women shall increase the number of visiting hours from the former 9 am to 3 pm (Thursday to Sunday) to 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday. In case that the inmate has never been visited for a period of 6 months the Correctional Institution for Women may issue a notice to the immediate family of the inmate to their last known address through mail or other means informing the family about the situation of their incarcerated relative. The Correctional Institution for Women should promote recreational program that would reduce the agony of prison life of an inmate or should enhance whatever programs they have for the better improvement of their inmates.The Correctional Institution for Women should increase the prison capacity to promote better inmate’s health and rehabilitation process and provide program that will directly address the inmate’s health or physical problems. In addition, the formulation of Prison Family Day program that would help the incarcerated mothers to reduce the amount of stress and bereavement their experienced in their prison life and also promote social bond, family ties and solidarity among incarcerated mothers and their family. The program also promotes the importance of visitation to the well-being of a prisoner. Moreover, the researchers recommended the formulation of E-Dalaw System that would help those inmates who showed good behavior in prison to see their families even they were living distantly from prison by means of internet social websites and will be given 10 minutes privilege communication. The researchers also recommended the formulation of CIW Days Program that would relieve the sadness experienced by the inmates that causes stress by diverting their attention into different gainful activities and at the same time will also promote physical health improvement.