July 21st 2023.
Roberta Bell, a former Louisiana prison guard, has no regrets about losing her job after taking in an inmate’s baby. In May, Bell was fired from the Louisiana Transition Center for Women, where female inmates go ahead of their release, after informing her higher-ups of her intention to care for the baby.
The baby’s mother, Katie Bourgeois, had only two months left on her sentence when she gave birth. She was scared that Child Protective Services would take the baby due to her incarceration. She asked around for help, and inmates told her about Bell and her caring nature, prompting her to reach out.
Despite knowing that her decision would violate company policy against staffers giving inmates their personal information, Bell stayed true to her word. “I knew it was the right thing to do,” Bell said. “I knew that God wanted me to follow my heart, and I knew I couldn’t allow a baby to go to protective services when Katie really wanted that child.”
Bell knew that taking in the baby would be a conflict of interest at her job, but she was determined to do what was best for the baby. “I was aware it would be seen as a conflict of interest, but I am a woman of my word,” she said. “I wanted to do the best thing for Katie and her child.”
When Bourgeois was released from prison earlier this month, Bell and baby Kayson were there to greet her. Now the trio live together as Bourgeois works to rebuild her life. “She and Kayson are welcome to stay here for as long as they need to,” Bell said. “I’m excited for Katie and what the future holds for her.”
Bell’s selfless act of kindness has been widely praised. Despite losing her job, she has no regrets. “I knew it was the right thing to do,” Bell said. “I wanted to do the best thing for Katie and her child.”
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