Are custodial-based mothers and children's units evaluated, effective and aligned with a human rights-based approach? - A systematic review of the evidence

Background Special considerations are warranted for incarcerated mothers and their children, as both experience substantial health and social disadvantage. Children residing in custodial settings are at risk of not having access to the equivalence of education, healthcare and socialisation commensurate to that of children living in the community. This systematic review describes the existing evidence regarding underpinning theories, accessibility, and the effectiveness of custody -based Mothers and children's units (M&Cs) globally. Methods A systematic database search was conducted on May 1, 2023, of PsycINFO, Scopus, Sociology Ultimate and Web of Science (January 1, 2010, and May 1, 2023). Findings Our systematic synthesis reveals evidence gaps related to best practice guidelines that align with a human right -based approach, and evaluations of the impact of the prison environment on mothers and their children. Interpretation These findings support re -design of M&Cs using co -design to develop units that are evidence -based, robustly evaluated, and underpinned by the 'best interest of the child'.