AMERICA/PERU - Many children grow up in prison with their imprisoned mothers

Lima (Agenzia Fides) - Nearly 200 children aged three live with their mothers held in 31 prisons in Peru. The note, issued by the National Penitentiary (INPE) and sent to Agenzia Fides, ensures that the young, male and female, live in a prison, although well equipped so that they can grow happily without suffering abuse or assault. The prisons with the largest number of children are the female prisons in Chorrillos (43) and Anexo de Chorrillos (17), both in Lima; and in the regions of Arequipa (15), Ica (14), Ayacucho (13), Cuzco (11) and Puno (10).
Also according to INPE a professional group maintains constant dialogue with the imprisoned and pregnant mothers, to give them guidance and directions on the importance of the mother-child bond. Many of them come from problematic families and repeat those negative models suffered and experienced in their childhood. Representatives of religious and civil institutions contribute to their care, while prison authorities donate diapers, toys, clothing and medicine. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 13/04/2015)