Synopsis Female criminality in India has been a neglected subject of study. Due to low incidence of female criminality there is less emphasis on research in this field. However, there has been increasing academic interest on female criminality since in the recent past growth of female crimes has shown upward trend. Importantly, imprisonment of mother with dependent young child is a problematic issue. The effects of incarceration can be catastrophic on the children and costly to the state in terms of providing for their care. Children should not be allowed to stay in jails because jails are not the place to bring up children. The children of women prisoners living with them in jails are being deprived of their basic rights, entitlements and amenities for their development. Against this, backdrop, present study purports to review the status of women prisoners and their young children living with them and suggesting policy measures for their development.