1500 children live with a parent in Bolivian prisons

Posted on April 22, 2014 • Filed under: Bolivia, Crime, Social Issues

theguardian.com reported that inmates keep children inside with them fearing they will fall victim to abuse in homes on the outside. According to official figures, 1,500 Bolivian children live with a parent behind bars, but the total could be much higher – especially during school holidays when children visit incarcerated parents. Hundreds of women and children living alongside prisoners, pass out through the metal gates every day for work or school. According to national law, children must leave prison by the time they turn six, but many stay much longer with parents who do not want to let them go. They fear their children will be abused in homes and do not trust extended-family members, many of whom are extremely poor, to provide for them. That leaves some parents feeling that growing up in prison is a child’s best – or only – option. Read Article

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