Surkhet Jail currently houses three dependent children, two girls and one boy. Dependent children remain with their mothers until the age of five, after which they are placed under the care of family members if available. If no guardians are present, concerned authorities coordinate with organizations to provide education and care. Last year, one such child without family support was sent to Kathmandu through an organization and is now studying there.
In Rukum West Jail, there is a five-year-old dependent boy who is living with his mother, who was imprisoned in a killing case. Although he has already reached school age, he has not yet had the opportunity to study. According to jailer Keshav Oli, they are preparing to send him home once he reaches the appropriate age for schooling.
In Salyan Jail, there is a child who has just turned three. She too has not had access to an environment where she can attend school. Children living with their parents in prison are only sent home after turning five. According to jailer Bhim Bahadur Gharti, this girl is in jail with her mother, who is serving a sentence in a polygamy case.
In Jumla Jail, there is also a dependent boy who is now four years old but has not yet been able to attend school. According to jailer Gaya Prasad Pandey, he will turn five next year and will be handed over to guardians at home and ensure an environment for his education.
According to the Department of Prison Management’s monthly distribution report for July 2025, there are 64 dependent children under the age of five living in prisons across the country. In recent times, children as young as two or three years old are being enrolled in Montessori schools and early childhood development centers. Montessori schools run privately and child development centers run by the government are established with the aim of fostering school going habits from an early age, as well as promoting learning, reading, writing, and recreation. However, due to the crimes committed by their parents and the lack of protection within their families and society, some children are compelled to live in prisons.