Which prison do you participate with? At this time we are only working with TN Prison for Women. We hope that our vision will spread with success and be placed in other prisons.
How do the inmates get placed with your organization? The inmates will get placed with us by going through the Volunteer Chaplin at TN Prison for Women. They have to show intent to want to change their lives by developing a new relationship with Christ.
How often can someone participate in this program? It is a "one time" only thing. Usually these women have been in and out of prison multiple times. We are usually their last hope since there is no family able or wanting to help and the inmate does not want her child in foster care.
How long are they usually in prison? Most of the women we are working with have short terms. They are in mainly for drugs and theft.
How do these women bond with their child? They are able to see their child during regular visitation time each week. After the baby is 3 months old and the inmate has followed all the rules she will be able to have one week-end visitation a month.
Is there any government assistance for taking in these babies? Not really. The only assistance that the Care Taker receives at this point is medical insurance (TN Care) for the baby. We are working on WIC approval but that is not guaranteed. It is the responsibility of the Care Taker to fund her mission. That is why Jonah's Journey was put together. We are hoping to take that financial burden off the volunteer so all she has to concentrate on is the spiritual relationship of the mother and child.
What happens if the mother doesn't make the appropriate changes and she has to be in prison for an extended length of time? This is a decision that will be made between the mom and her mentor. The Care Taker might be able to accommodate this situation then she may not and the child might need to be placed for adoption. We are hoping that this situation will hardly ever happen.
Thank you for everyone that contributed to the babies/children of Jonah's Journey!! You all made this Christmas one that they will never forget!!! Thank you!
