A unique program is working inside the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility to prevent recidivism through faith and parenting.
Jenny Dean Schmidt with ChannelMom has been guiding women at the Denver Women’s Correctional facility through a program she runs called Forever Moms.
“I’m unafraid of these women because once I get to know them, I see that they’re mothers who love their children just like me,” Schmidt said.
She said over 150 women who have been found guilty of serious crimes have participated in Forever Moms in the past four years.
Over eights weeks, the curriculum covers relationship building, faith, education, finding a job and substance abuse resources. The ninth week is a graduation ceremony.
The purpose of program, Schmidht said, is to teach women “parenting principles, to reconnect her to have faith, to lift up her value, to reconnect her to her child.”
A report released in March by the Prison Policy Initiative found 58% of women in state prisons are parents to minor children. Most are incarcerated for non-violent crimes related to substance abuse.