Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn says a nursery being constructed at the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre will serve as a haven for incarcerated mothers to bond with their infants.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony held at the facility earlier today (April 17), the State Minister shared that: “with this project, a haven will be provided for mothers in the system who can mentally and physically care for their infants”.
She further added that “with this construction, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) aims to disrupt the perpetuation of trauma and establish a foundation for positive development and rehabilitation for mothers within the penal system”.
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn shared that “during a visit in June of last year, I recognised the urgent need for a secure, safe and nurturing environment dedicated to infants born to incarcerated mothers”.
The existing Government policy allows mothers to bond with their infants for the initial six months, a move firmly supported by the DCS further highlighting the importance of this bonding approach for incarcerated mothers and their infants.
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn further explains that with this new facility in the local correction system, the anticipation is high for “positive results for pregnant and nursing women incarcerated at South Camp”.
As the Government continues to implement strategies under the National Correctional Services Policy (NCSP), the shift from punishment and custody to a humane service approach is priority.
The Ministry of National Security through the DCS will continue to execute projects such as this – to positively impact those within the correctional system. Minister Cuthbert-Flynn further added that “this serves as a testament that the Government of Jamaica stands committed in the rehabilitation and reintegration process of our inmates”.
The nursery is being constructed at a cost of $13,507,997 and is expected to be completed by June of this financial year.
With this addition, up to three mothers and their infants will be accommodated in a three-room structure which will be outfitted to meet the maternal demand at the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre.
The female only facility currently accommodates 110 inmates.
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