Catherine (not her real name) is not reassured: the women’s sports hall at Lantin prison may be moved next to the nursery. Concerned about the safety and well-being of the children, she is worried about this new location.
For years, Lantin prison has housed a nursery intended for inmate mothers and their children aged under three. This independent space guarantees the absence of contact with other prisoners, an essential choice for the peace of mind of little ones.
Catherine, a 58-year-old inmate, resides there due to her state of health: “I was isolated in the nursery because of my cancer, I have immune problems”she confides via the orange Alert us button.
Recently, the woman heard some rumors: the women’s gym could be moved near the nursery. The main objective is to expand the work workshop (where the current gym is located) to offer jobs to around twenty additional inmates.
A worrying project
What frightens the fifty-year-old is that this project would involve sportswomen passing through the room dedicated to infants. And although Catherine does not have children, she nevertheless says she is concerned about their safety.
She strongly denounces this idea: “It’s unacceptable, it’s a great danger for the children. The nursery was built to protect them. There, they would rather invade this space than find another place.”
The children didn’t ask to be there. They don’t deserve to be put in danger for leisure
The inmate fears disruptions for the children, but also health and security risks: “Some prisoners could use the toilets in the nursery or contaminate the space”she said. Before adding: “The children didn’t ask to be there. They don’t deserve to be put in danger for fun.”
The noise generated by the gym, open four times a week, is also a source of concern. Our alert highlights: “This would prevent children from napping, deprive them of a playroom and disrupt mothers’ daily lives”.
Marc Brisi, director of Lantin prison, affirms that the project is being studied, but that it has not yet been approved or finalized. He adds that, if it comes true, measures will be specially planned to minimize inconvenience.
We are not unconscious
“During the passage, mothers and children will be in their cells. We are not unconscious. We are very attentive to their safety”he maintains. He also specifies that a shock-absorbing mat will be placed on the floor to reduce noise.
The man insists on the benefit of this move for the workers, while recognizing the concerns relating to the project: “We are in contact with the ONE (Office of Birth and Childhood Editor’s note) and we will adapt the decisions based on their comments.”
Sylvie Anzalone, spokesperson for the ONE, is categorical: “We will never agree with adults spending time in a nursery. The interests of the child and the quality of the parental relationship take precedence.”
Discussions are underway between the different parties to analyze the impacts of the project and consider alternative solutions.
prison lantin prison nursery security child protection
