Introduction

With the Mia Update 2, Prison Architect 2 introduced female prisoners, adding new gameplay mechanics and challenges to managing a correctional facility. Unlike male prisons, women’s prisons require family cells, nurseries, and adjusted needs. This guide will help you set up and efficiently run a women’s prison.

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Setting Up a Women’s Prison

When starting a new prison, select Female Prison from the gender options in the New Prison Setup menu. This ensures that all inmates will be female, requiring adjustments to housing, security, and daily operations.

Family Cells & Motherhood Mechanics

A key difference in female prisons is that some inmates arrive with babies. These mothers cannot be placed in regular cells; instead, they require Family Cells.

• Minimum Size: 4×4
• Required Items:
  • Crib – For the baby to sleep.
  • Shower – Ensures hygiene needs are met.
  • Toilet & Bed – Standard cell furniture.
• Placement: Family Cells can be placed in standard cell blocks or integrated into dormitories.

Nursery Requirements

Mothers and babies spend most of their time in nurseries, which act as shared spaces for multiple families.

• Required Items:
  • Play Mats – To keep babies occupied.
  • Tables & Benches – For feeding and seating.
  • Cribs & Play Equipment – To satisfy baby needs.
• Mothers eat in the nursery rather than the main canteen.

Tip: Keeping Family Cells and the Nursery close together reduces staff workload and improves efficiency.

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Managing Female Prisoners

Differences Between Male & Female Prisons

Female inmates share many similarities with male inmates but have additional family-related needs:

• They are more likely to prioritize social needs.
• They smuggle contraband just like male inmates.
• Security concerns remain the same—escapes, riots, and misconduct still occur.

Canteen & Food Distribution

• Regular female prisoners use the canteen.
• Mothers only eat in the nursery.
• Guards should be stationed at nurseries to prevent contraband smuggling and violence.

Contraband & Security Measures

Despite additional family mechanics, female prisoners still attempt to smuggle contraband:

• Body searches should be conducted in family cell areas and nurseries.
• Regular shakedowns help control contraband levels.

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Intake & Capacity Management

Unlike standard cells, Family Cells are not counted in total prison capacity.

• Example: If a prison has a capacity of 100 normal cells and 10 family cells, only 100 will be counted.
• This allows for better control of protective custody and intake adjustments.

Protective Custody & Family Cells

Female prisoners in protective custody can be housed separately from general population, ensuring their safety.

• Use unassigned Family Cells for protective custody when not in use.
• Monitor these inmates closely, as mixing security levels can lead to conflicts.

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Final Tips & Optimization

• Plan extra space for Family Cells and Nurseries.
• Monitor babies’ needs—though currently hidden, they affect a mother’s behavior.
• Increase guard presence around family areas to prevent violence and contraband smuggling.
• Adjust intake settings to balance normal and mother-inmate populations.

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Conclusion

Managing a women’s prison in Prison Architect 2 adds an exciting new challenge. By understanding the unique needsof female inmates, including Family Cells, Nurseries, and baby-related mechanics, you can ensure a safe, efficient, and well-run facility.

For further updates and improvements, keep an eye on future patches and community discussions!