Incarcerated Mothers: A Case Study

Incarcerated mothers have worries and concerns about their children that are similar to those of other mothers. LeFlore and Holston (1989) found that 72% of those they interviewed reported that the most important thing for a mother is to love her child and to be able to demonstrate that love. They also emphasized the importance of being able to provide and care for their children, but both of these activities are likely to be denied to them for extended periods. Many women are incarcerated when they could be placed on probation or in other community programs that would permit them to maintain their parental roles and responsibilities. The present rate of incarceration for use, abuse or possession of drugs far exceeds earlier rates, but self-reported