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Connecticut webinar spotlights Circle of Security and doula supports for pregnant people in custody
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Summary
A Connecticut Office of Early Childhood webinar showcased the Circle of Security parenting program and doula-led supports at York Correctional Institution, presenting program numbers, participant testimonials and corrections‑health partnerships aimed at preserving parent–child bonds during incarceration and reentry.
HARTFORD — The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood on March 22 hosted a webinar highlighting Circle of Security parenting classes and doula services for pregnant and postpartum people in custody, speakers said, describing a cross‑agency effort to protect early attachments and ease reentry.
Deputy Commissioner Deb Flis opened the session and introduced Craig Washington, district administrator for the Connecticut Department of Correction, who framed the partnership as a strategy to reduce recidivism and support families: "Behind every incarcerated individual is a family," Washington said, adding that the collaboration seeks to "break cycles" and focus on rehabilitation as well as public safety.
The webinar detailed programs at York Correctional Institution (York CI). Michelle Ramos, counselor supervisor at York CI, described a centralized pregnancy tier with on‑site OBGYN access and weekly doula visits. "We currently house around 850 inmates, and we can house up to 1,100," Ramos said, and reported 13 pregnant residents at the time of the presentation and 63 people who entered the facility pregnant in the current fiscal year to date.
Panelists described program components: an eight‑week Circle of Security series using videos and group reflection, doula support at labor and delivery coordinated with Lawrence and Memorial Hospital’s home‑visiting team, and family‑focused events such as "mommy and me" groups and extended visits. Program partners reported 60 mothers enrolled in the Circle of Security series since 2025 and 57 completers.
Doulas and corrections staff both described practical benefits. Ashley Minhan, owner of Empowered Beginnings and lead doula for the program, said the work is designed to "increase attachment and reduce trauma." Warden Karina Sexton credited doulas with reducing stress for officers at hospital births and described operational changes at York CI that normalize breastfeeding and build supports so women can continue education and work while pumping.
Voices from participants were central to the webinar. In prerecorded vignettes, Skyla Grant said, "Circle of Security was a wonderful group that I engaged with," describing how the group reframed her parenting and eased anxiety. Another participant, Alyssa, described learning of her pregnancy in custody and later reconnecting with her child after release; "I'll always be mom, and I can be his circle of security," she said.
Health partners described coordination that precedes hospital arrival: Lawrence and Memorial’s home‑visiting coordinator meets mothers during prenatal groups so families and community caregivers are connected before discharge, and doulas meet mothers at the hospital when labor begins.
Speakers acknowledged challenges, including administrative complexity, staffing and funding constraints and stigma that can discourage families from seeking support. Panelists said routine communication, shared goals and cross‑training helped identify gaps and sustain services.
The Office of Early Childhood posted QR codes for a webinar survey and invited attendees to suggest future topics. Presenters encouraged continued investment in cross‑system partnerships that aim to preserve parent–child bonds and support stable reentry.
