NCJ Number
232693
Journal
Victims & Offenders Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2010 Pages: 161-182
Date Published
April 2010
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article presents the results of studies that explored the mental health and substance abuse backrounds of female offenders.
Abstract
Studies of women offenders with respect to the continuing salience of two co-occurring and pernicious characteristicsmental health (including traumatic experiences) and substance abuse (including HIV)were reviewed. Findings indicated that research on these interrelated phenomena bears directly on a population that has been historically understudied and poorly serviced. As findings on women offenders are inadequately integrated and lack conceptual direction, a biosocial dynamic framework is introduced as a potentially useful organizing tool for future research and practice. The authors conclude that as the correctional system continues to be a repository for persons afflicted with mental health and substance use disorders, sound empirical knowledge is particularly needed with respect to future service allocation for women offenders. Table and references (Published Abstract)