Mothers in prison: meeting the prerequisite conditions for permanency planning

This article describes a study of incarcerated mothers in New York State prisons who had children in foster care. Prerequisite conditions for permanency planning activities between mothers and caseworkers are examined, with a focus on the incidence of correspondence, telephone contact, and notification of court hearings. Although most of the mothers questioned reported having telephone contact or correspondence with caseworkers, a sizable number reported having neither, and less than half were familiar with the procedures that would enable them to appear for court hearings. Failure to engage in such activities jeopardizes the parental status of the incarcerated mother. Recommendations are made for changes in policies and practice that facilitate increased correspondence and telephone contact as well as notification of and attendance at court hearings.