Mother and Baby Unit

A dedicated, safe wing in female prisons, intended for pregnant prisoners or new mothers, to allow them to have their babies with them whilst in prison. Depending on how long the prisoner has left to serve at the point of giving birth, the baby may be later taken by Children's Services or to an approved family member. In MBUs, mothers can care for their children up to the age of about 18 months. They have trained nursery nurses and prison officers. They should be registered with OFSTED. There are currently six prisons with MBUs in the UK.