Did You Know?
There are nearly 100 babies born to incarcerated women in North Carolina every year. These children and their mothers face unique and often overlooked challenges that Pharaoh's Daughter works to address.
The Impact of Maternal Incarceration
When a mother is incarcerated, the effects ripple across generations. Children of incarcerated parents face higher risks of:
- Instability in housing and caregiving
- Educational challenges
- Emotional and behavioral difficulties
- Higher likelihood of contact with the justice system themselves
The Foster Care Connection
Many babies born to incarcerated mothers enter the foster care system by default. When a mother must relinquish her rights due to incarceration, she may lose the legal right to ever be reunited with her child. Pharaoh's Daughter works to prevent this outcome by providing an alternative path — one that keeps the family bond intact.
Breaking the Cycle
Research shows that maintaining strong family bonds during incarceration leads to better outcomes for both mothers and children. Mothers who have consistent contact with their children show lower rates of recidivism. Children who maintain bonds with their mothers experience better emotional and developmental outcomes.
North Carolina Statistics
- Between 50–100 babies are born to incarcerated mothers annually in North Carolina
- The majority of these children enter the foster care system
- Justice-involved mothers face significant barriers to reunification upon release
- Pharaoh's Daughter provides an alternative to foster care for these families