DA Launches Program for Mothers to Serve Jail Time at Home

This article was written by Caitlin Nolan.


Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes has launched a home-based
alternative to incarceration to allow women, particularly those with
children, to serve time for their crimes.

JusticeHome will allow women who meet the program's criteria to serve
their sentences in their home,
retain custody and care of their children, and receive intensive
treatment and supervision, Hynes announced Wednesday.

The program has funding for 45 participants. Eligible participants must
be facing a minimum of six-months in prison as a result of felony charges.

"Today's announcement of our Justice Home Program is very
exciting because 45 Mothers will be spared jail and their children will
avoid the trauma associated with watching helplessly as their mothers
are carted off to jail," Hynes said.

The participants will be screened for suitability and the JusticeHome
staff will work with the D.A.'s staff to assess each woman on a
case-by-case basis.

The D.A.'s office will provide Continuing Legal Education programs for
Assistant District Attorneys, who will be trained
to make the initial selection and referral to the screeners. The
screening techniques will also be added to the permanent training
curriculum for new incoming Assistant District Attorneys.

The program was developed in partnership the Women's Prison
Association (WPA), with the support of multiple women's advocacy and
legal groups.

"Our experience demonstrates that women and families can make great
positive change when they are supported in their own homes and
communities," said Georgia Lerner, director of the WPA. "Drawing upon
their own strengths and community resources, women and families can
become stronger and function better while a woman takes responsibility
for her crime."

Julie Kay, senior strategist for policy and advocacy for the Ms.
Foundation, noted many women land in the criminal justice system as "a
direct consequence of the inequalities and dangers that women
disproportionately face, including poverty and sexual and domestic
abuse."

"Programs that provide quality alternatives to incarceration provide
society with a cost-efficient and more humane approach, enabling women
to continue their family and care giving responsibilities to the
benefit of all," she continued.