Missouri's Prison Nursery Program 'changes lives' of moms and their babies

Months after the Missouri Department of Corrections opened its Prison Nursery Program, officials have announced a "baby boom," with more than 15 moms and 16 babies (including one set of twins) benefiting from the program.

Key Takeaways:

• 16 new babies have been welcomed through a Prison Nursery Program at Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri.

• Missouri launched the program in February 2025, joining multiple other states with similar, already-established programs.

• The program helps keep incarcerated moms with their babies, ensuring adequate care and resources for both.

The Details:

As Live Action News previously reported, Missouri's first-ever prison nursery opened at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia in February 2025. The nursery wing, located in a separate area of the prison, was created to ensure mothers and their babies have the opportunity to remain together and receive access to adequate care and resources.

In an end-of-year press release, the Missouri Department of Corrections announced that its Prison Nursery Program was a success, boasting 16 new births and helping 15 mothers.

The news release explained:

So far more than 15 moms and 16 babies (one set of twins) have been part of the nurturing community created at Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia, a meticulously remodeled housing wing that holds cozy communal spaces, a colorful infant development center, a private kitchen and yard, and seven bedrooms for up to 14 babies and their moms.

Eligible incarcerated women who have a due date within 18 months of their release stay with their babies in the nursery while also taking classes, completing treatment programs and learning life skills. Paid caregivers, who are fellow WERDCC residents, occupy rooms on the second floor of the wing, support the new moms and provide childcare for the babies. 

As Live Action News reported last year, "Missouri now joins nine other states with similar programs, including California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia."

Why It Matters:

Kim Perkins, the nursery program manager, explained how the program helps incarcerated moms.

"We teach life skills: how to cook, how to clean, how to manage money, basic parenting things," Perkins told KSHB. "Now [the moms] have a chance to fight for their families. We're teaching them how to rely on each other and help one another," she said.

Several moms who benefited from the program also told KSHB that the program was life-changing.

"I genuinely was ready to put my girls up for adoption," said Kathy Briggs, the mother of twins. Thanks to the program, she was able to keep and parent her daughters.

"There's not any way this could have gone more perfect," she said.

The Bottom Line:

A program that results in moms being able to keep their babies and learn how to parent with the support of fellow mothers, even while incarcerated, is clearly a win for both the moms and babies.

"I get to go to a job every day where I get to look at and hug babies and still do something meaningful," Perkins said. "It changes lives. A lot of these ladies would not have been able to keep their babies."