Historic Women's Prison Marks 70 Years With Pioneering Mother-Child Facility

The first women's prison in Germany turns 70, showcasing its unique mother-child facility that has set a national standard for penal reform.

, and Administrator

2025 October 3 . 12:01 AM

1 min read

This picture is clicked inside a musical concert. Here, we see three women standing and holding... — This picture is clicked inside a musical concert. Here, we see three women standing and holding violin in their hands and playing it. Here is three stands on which book is placed on it and on the right bottom of this picture, we see women sitting and listening to that music. Behind them, we see white wall on which watch is placed on it. In the left corner of this picture, we see white curtain.

Historic Women's Prison Marks 70 Years With Pioneering Mother-Child Facility

JVA Frankfurt am Main III, a women's prison established in 1955, has made history with its pioneering mother-child facility. This unique institution in Hessen has been at the forefront of innovative penal approaches, earning national recognition.

The idea for the mother-child facility originated from the institution's first director, Helga Einsele. Initially opened as a separate closed facility in 1975, it could accommodate up to five mothers with infants. Today, it can house up to 18 mothers with preschool-aged children.

JVA Frankfurt am Main III's founding and the mother-child prison's establishment in Hesse were the result of progressive legal acts by territorial authorities. These corrections institutions are typically established as public law institutions under state jurisdiction, with specific historical details documented in Hessian governmental and administrative records.

After 70 years, JVA Frankfurt am Main III continues to successfully balance punishment and rehabilitation, thanks to the dedication of its staff and the visionary leadership that introduced the mother-child facility. The Minister of Justice has thanked all involved for their contributions to this groundbreaking institution.