Policy Memo: Decatur Correctional Center Moms and Babies Pilot

Policy Memo: Decatur Correctional Center Moms and Babies Pilot

Summary:

• The Women and Family Services division of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is piloting a Moms and Babies program that allows qualified mothers to keep their newborn babies with them in prison for a specific amount of time.
• The Decatur Correctional Center Moms and Babies Pilot is not Family Health Plans Moms & Babies medical coverage. These are two separate programs.
• The pilot program is limited to the Decatur Correctional Center and targets women who are pregnant and have fewer than 18 to 24 months left to serve.
• If otherwise eligible, DHS will provide TANF, medical, food stamp, and WIC benefits to the children. In addition, the women will qualify for child support services.
• The pilot will run for one year, from March 2007 to February 2008. An assessment will be completed in March 2008 to determine if the program continues.