A Child Rights Perspective on Babies Behind Bars: An analysis of two different narratives and their outcomes

Abstract: This comic represents two narrative outcomes of the Mother-Child Program for Federally Incarcerated Women in Canada resulting in child rights concerns for this growing population of children. The Mother-Child Program has stringent policies related to corresponding documents that those who are wanting to participate in the Mother-Child Program must adhere to. Those who are requesting the Mother-Child Program rely on other service providers to submit their paperwork within tight timeframes, in order to be considered. The comic illustration represents the detrimental result of the failure of a social worker not presenting their mandatory documents in the time frame allowed, which denies the applicants submission to the Mother-Child Program. The stringent policies of the Mother-Child Program and its' consequences are outlined throughout the adverse childhood effects that parental incarceration has on a child and the difficulties those incarcerated face in maintaining a strong attachment to their child due to policy barriers. The lack of sense of identity and belonging for this population of children is reflected in the narratives of the comic and growing discrimination for this population of children is evidenced through the analysis that follows the comic illustration. The second comic represents a mother and child who are accepted into the Mother-Child Program and the positive effects that the Mother-Child Program has on the bond within mother and child. It is important to note that the Mother-Child Program is a voluntary program for applicants and for some mothers, who meet the criteria, a suitable program. Not all mothers are given this program as an option due to the various natures of criminal charges. The intent of this comic is to represent the difficulties that policy barriers place on those wishing to access a program that they are suitable for and the devastating consequences when an application is denied due to policy implementation. The narratives included in this comic are assumed conversations reflecting the evidence of positive outcomes for those who experienced the Mother-Child program as well as the negative consequences of those who are denied access to the program through literature review. The calls to action and advocacy required for this group of children falling into systemic invisibility due to the inaction of systemic government programs are direct violations of children’s rights. In order for a better world fit for children, action, advocacy and systemic change are required to address the injustices this group of children face. Key terms: Children of Incarcerated Parents, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Attachment, Canadian Policy, Child Rights