About Us
The Global Prison Nursery Network (GPNN) emerged from the inaugural Global Prison Nursery Network Symposium hosted by CIC and Columbia Law’s Center for Institutional and Social Change in November 2023. This hybrid global event brought together over 100 registrants, featuring panels on diverse topics such as prison nursery models, perspectives from formerly incarcerated mothers, nursery compliance with international and state laws, support from NGOs and communities, and the role of abolition and community alternatives.
Inspired by the collaborative spirit of the symposium, the GPNN was established as a multi-stakeholder, global network committed to ongoing advocacy for the best interests of children who reside in prison with their caregivers in various settings such as prison nurseries, mother-baby units, and creches.
Mission
At the heart of the GPNN’s mission is a commitment to ensuring the well-being and rights of children living in prison with their caregivers. Through this network, we aim to gather evidence-based research, share best practices, and elevate the visibility and voices of impacted children and caregivers. We advocate for improved processes, laws, policies, practices, conditions, and resources to serve the best interests of these children, including the promotion of community-based alternatives to incarceration.
Highlighting the importance of a global perspective, we celebrate the cultural and geographic diversity of our partners. Shared with us by our network partner, Dr. Smita Dharmamer of Aangan Trust India, our work is grounded in the ancient Sanskrit proverb “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (“The world is one family”). We recognize our collective responsibility towards incarcerated children and their caregivers worldwide, who often remain invisible to the broader world.
Partner Profiles
Join Us
The GPNN invites researchers, academics, and NGOs from around the world to join us in our shared mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of children in prison with their caregivers.
