Women in jail: hope and challenges in Frankfurt!

Women in jail: hope and challenges in Frankfurt!

In Germany, about six percent of the detained women are, and many of them fight against addiction diseases or have had traumatic experiences. A place where these stories become visible is the Correctional facility Frankfurt III, the country's largest female care center. There are all starties here, from short prison terms to lifelong imprisonment. The prison officer Reetz emphasizes that behind every criminal file is an individual life story that is often shaped by blows, as in the case of Lisa M., 33 years old, who is in custody for fraud and theft and has not been able to see her three daughters for years. Despite her difficult circumstances, Lisa in prison is training in system catering in order to develop a perspective for the time after detention.

also the example of Regine S., which is detained for the second time at the age of 49, shows how complex the life realities of women are in this prison. Regine was addicted to drugs, but has now made its withdrawal and hopes for a second chance in life. In order to offer these women a new perspective, a team of around 170 employees, including social workers and psychologists, works closely with the detainees. One of the social workers, Marjorie Schol, accompanies women who have committed serious violent crimes.

The mother-child home in Frankfurt JVA

A certain light into the dark world behind bars brings the mother-child home in the JVA Frankfurt, where mothers can bring their toddlers to enforcement. This facility is one of ten in Germany that takes up mothers with their children. Due to strict admission conditions-the mother's punishment must be compensated for before schooling the child and an acute addiction problem must not exist-live in the closed mother-child home with nine children. The children's group in the facility supports kids between six months and five years and offers a balanced care offer.

Mothers must adhere to the institutional rules and also claim to acquire training or qualification during their detention. Tanja R., who was sentenced to three years in prison for robbery, talks about her experiences: "I had financial pressure and was in a desperate situation when I was involved in the robbery. My brother assured me that I would not lose Anton, my son, which is why I returned from Spain to start my punishment." Tanja is expected to be released in the coming year when her son Anton is five years old.

high emotional stress

The discussion about the meaningfulness of sending children to prison with their mothers is controversial in both the public and internally. But the existing care system shows progress: the teachers support mothers and children in health problems and help to prepare integration into society according to detention. It is a sensitive balance between legal requirements and the individual reality of the detainees, which makes the challenges, fears and hopes of these women clear.

The documentary about the JVA Frankfurt III illuminates the fates that remain hidden behind the grids. The challenges that these women face are great, but through support and initiative there is always hope for a better future. The stories of women such as Lisa, Regine and Tanja are still pursued by the judiciary and the social workers to enable real understanding and change.

The reporting of ZDF and Stadtlandkind indicates that with all the difficulties And challenges can also be created space for hope and development. Instead of just looking at the deeds, a person is shown behind every prison sentence who deserves the chance of change.