A Decade of Royal Generosity toward Children of Incarcerated Mothers

Abstract

Having mercy on children of incarcerated mothers, HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha has originated the INSPiRE project over the past decade in order to help these children receive equal cares and treatments. Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing, formerly known as the Thai Red Cross College of Nursing, was assigned by HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha to develop “Quality Pregnancy” training course for pregnant inmates to practice prenatal care, as well as the “Cultivating good people starts at the 1^st year” course for inmate mothers and volunteers to practice child rearing properly.  Results from evaluations and site visits of 12 correctional institutions participating in the INSPiRE Project under the Royal Initiatives
of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha showed that pregnant inmates and inmate mothers were satisfied with the training courses because they were practical.  The growth of children of incarcerated mothers was promoted and the child development was age-appropriate. Key success factor was that the Policy on care of children of incarcerated mothers under the Bangkok Rules led to equal opportunities for these children to receive responses and treatments of the same basic needs provided for those outside the correctional institutions. However, problems and obstacles in using the training courses was the limitation of budget, time, trainers and staff’s attitudes.  In addition, changing attitudes of staffs in correctional institutions to be positive toward children of incarcerated mothers remained a challenge.