Twenty nonviolent prisoners could live with up to 40 of their children ages 8 and under at a center that would have a day-care and preschool. Prisoners would receive vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and learn parenting skills while caring for their children. Four other states have similar prisoner-child projects.

A $3.5 million fund-raising campaign for the nonprofit center's construction and one year of operating the program is already underway, and a committee is working with the state to lease property. The Correction Department would have to agree to use the program, which would include a screening method to determine eligible prisoners. The state would contract with the center and provide the daily cost equal to housing someone at a state prison. State Senator Ellie Kinnaird also hopes the program can receive a grant from the federal government for a pilot program.

"These children are six times more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system while growing up," Kinnaird said. "We can change the lives of the children and the women."