LEGISLATION RELATING TO FEMALE INMATES WITH MINOR CHILDREN PASSES THROUGH SENATE COMMITTEE

TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A bill sponsored by State Senator Frederica Wilson (D-Miami Gardens), relating to female inmates who are mothers of minor children, passed the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice today.  SB 1160 provides legislative findings with respect to the importance of a female inmate maintaining a relationship with her minor child.

 

The bill requires the Department of Corrections to house female inmates with minor children in close proximity to their children whenever possible.  This contact contributes to family reunification after release, which helps combat crime and reduces recidivism.  

 

“There are nearly four thousand female inmates in Florida’s correctional system who are primary caregivers for at least one minor child,” said Wilson. “It is the intent of this legislation that female inmates are assigned to facilities in close proximity to their children making it easier to maintain contact with their children and family whenever possible.”

 

The bill also requires the Department of Corrections to collect information about the minor children of inmates, and analyze the institutional assignments of female inmates annually to determine whether each inmate is housed in an institution that is in close proximity to her minor child. 

The bill will be amended to include consideration for male inmates. If it is determined that a father in the correctional system is a primary caregiver after release, he can also apply for special consideration for placement through the Department of Corrections.

 

SB 1160 does not apply when the court has restricted contact with the child or if other factors, including health and security issues, would prohibit such actions.