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Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998)

Chapter III : Custody of all Inmates under Conditions of Human Dignity

Part A : General requirements

20. Mothers of young children

 

1) A female inmate may be permitted, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by regulation, to have her child with her until such child is two years of age or until such time that the child can be appropriately placed taking into consideration the best interest of the child.

 

1A) Upon admission of such a female inmate, the Department must immediately, in conjunction with the Department of Social Development, take the necessary steps to facilitate the process for the proper placement of such a child;

 

2) The Department is responsible for food, clothing, health care as contemplated in section 12 and facilities for the sound development of the child for the period that such child remains in a correctional centre.

 

3) Where practicable, the National Commissioner must ensure that a mother and child unit is available for the accommodation of female inmates and the children whom they may be permitted to have with them.