What if these walls could talk? The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III is more than just a building. It’s a place of transformation and second chances.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III stands in northern Frankfurt. It is in the Preungesheim district. The prison neighbors the Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main I.
Originally, this site was a prison for men. It was built in 1888. Carl Krohne designed it. During the German Empire and Nazi era, it served as an execution site. It is estimated that up to 500 executions occurred here. Inmates were also used as labor for industry.
After World War II, it became a military prison. In 1955, it was converted into a women’s prison. This marked a significant shift for the Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III.
Fast forward to today. The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III houses adult and juvenile female prisoners. It has open and closed units. There are separate areas for adults, juveniles, and mothers with children. The prison also offers accommodations for disabled inmates. The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III has 381 beds.
Over the last 30 years, the prison has expanded. Twelve new buildings were added. Building B opened in 2013. It provides the highest security level. It replaced cells in the old building from 1888. The construction cost 8.1 million EUR.
Inmates at the Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III can use the sports facility. They share the chapel and medical center with the JVA I. This collaboration enhances resources for all.
A unique aspect is the mother-child unit. Helga Einsele started it in 1970. It was the first of its kind in Germany. Since 1969, a support group has aided the unit. They provide outings for children. They also offer social work for mothers. Currently, eight mothers live there with their children. The prison offers social therapy for mothers. Topics include infant care, hygiene, and household skills.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III is celebrating two anniversaries in 2025. It marks 70 years as a women’s prison and 50 years of the mother-child unit. Today, 245 inmates reside at the JVA Frankfurt am Main III. They can train as cooks or hospitality workers. This helps them build a foundation for life after prison.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III gives female inmates hope. The prison is known beyond state borders. It is thanks to the dedication of its staff. The Justizvollzugsanstalt Frankfurt am Main III remains a beacon of change.