Philadelphia Inquirer- April 15, 2008

Cure for Recidivism

Letter to the Editor

We support State Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf's concern over the "growing crisis" of prisons ("Punishment alone won't deter criminals," April 7). Individuals turn to crime for a variety of reasons, many of which can be better addressed through mental-health and substance-abuse programs.

An effective way to combat recidivism is to provide economic and emotional support, and other resources, during transitions. A model program such as the Maternity Care Coalition's MOMobile at Riverside Correctional Facility does just this for incarcerated women who are pregnant or newly parenting. Research shows that women who have contact with their children while they are in prison and reconnect with them after release are less likely to return to jail.

MOMobile ensures timely entry into quality prenatal care and provides parenting, nutrition and breast-feeding education. After release, transportation, child care and housing assistance are all crucial to helping mom, baby and family.

Family-oriented support is a much wiser and more compassionate investment than building more prisons.

Dale Allen 

Board president

Maternity Care Coalition

North Wales

Vilma Maldonado

Case manager

MOMobile at Riverside

Warminster