Rehabilitation Programs Division

Baby and Mother Bonding Initiative (BAMBI)

Mission:

The mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Baby and Mother Bonding Initiative (BAMBI) shall be to provide the opportunity for mother and child bonding and attachment, which is important to healthy growth and development, socialization, and psychological development during the infant’s formative years, while in a safe and secure environment.

Program:

The Rehabilitation Programs Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, along with the Health Services Division and Correctional Institutions Division is collaborating with the University of Texas Medical Branch and local foundations to provide a bonding program for state jail confinees and their newborn infants in a residential setting.

This initiative allows time to form a healthy attachment in a secure setting with a strong training and education program for the mother. She will also receive substance abuse education, life skills, infant first aid and CPR, nutrition, anger and time management. A nationally recognized parenting curriculum from the What to Expect When You’re Expecting is one of the tools used to teach and guide these mothers through the first few months of development for their baby.

Program Highlights:

Increase the female offender’s self-development;
Increase social and cognitive competencies for both mother and child;
Provide for the development of a positive and productive relationship between mother and child;
Enhance parenting and nurturing skills and abilities of incarcerated mothers;
Develop the mother’s empathy and ability to place another’s need above self;
Provide prompt, loving, and consistent care for infants to develop their sense of trust;
Assist in the mother-infant attachment which leads to a healthy relationship.

The BAMBI Program will allow the mother and infant to bond in the residential facility for up to 6 months. Both will release from the facility once she has completed her sentence, assisted by an individualized transitional release plan that will be developed during their stay.

Contact Person:

Wanda Redding – Program Manager
TDCJ - Rehabilitation Programs Division
861B IH-45
Huntsville, TX 77320
(936) 437-6407
(936) 437-6299