Development of an educational/support group for pregnant women in prison

J Forensic Nurs. 2008;4(2):55-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2008.00010.x.

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 types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Curriculum
  • Female
  • Forensic Nursing
  • Humans
  • Needs Assessment / organization & administration*
  • New England
  • Nurse Clinicians
  • Nurse Midwives
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Organizational Culture
  • Organizational Objectives
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women / psychology*
  • Prisoners* / education
  • Prisoners* / psychology
  • Prisons / organization & administration
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Self-Help Groups / organization & administration*
  • Social Support
  • Social Work