We are aware of the report published on the Guardian today.
Taking a baby from its mother is one of the most draconian actions imaginable, and racism must never be ignored. We send our love and strength to all those affected by this traumatic case, which brings into sharp focus the level of harm that the prison system can cause to mothers and their children.
Separation in the first two years after birth is shown to have a huge impact on children, which is why this government has made such a strong commitment to keeping them safely with their families wherever possible. Unfortunately, women applying to have their children in their care in prison Mother and Baby Units do not get appropriate support and representation in the hearings to determine those decisions, and many women are afraid of challenging poor practice once they are on the units, for fear of losing their place and being separated.
The mother in this case has been incredibly brave to challenge the racism she experienced, and the entirely unjustified separation from her breastfeeding baby. Nothing can give them those five months back, but her successful legal action should help ensure this can never happen again.
Ultimately, we question whether these women and babies should be in prison at all. There is a significant body of evidence that shows prison is not, and never will be, a safe or appropriate place to be pregnant or to navigate early motherhood. The vast majority of women are better supported through community-based alternatives to custody. These allow them to give their babies the best possible start in life, with the help of their wider networks and a holistic range of services, including those offered by women’s centres and specialist organisations.
For further information or comment, contact Kirsty Kitchen, Head of Policy and Communications, at [email protected] or on 07951386630.
