NCJ Number
214742
Journal
Justice Policy Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2006 Pages: 1-24
Date Published
2006
Length
24 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the demographic and crime-related characteristics of female offenders, this paper traces the past roots and current conditions of the women's correctional system that perpetuate the oppression and dependency of women, followed by recommendations for change.
Abstract
This paper recommends that a variety of programs be offered in women's correctional institution. They should be tailored to the needs of the women in prison and jails and be designed to reflect research-based evidence of effectiveness. Programs should be regularly evaluated to determine whether they are achieving their purposes. Further, an array of services must be established in the community in order to continue and enhance support and progress begun while incarcerated. Support services in the community after release must also address the practical problems of health, housing, employment, and family living. None of these services and resources will be possible, however, unless motivated and skilled personnel are attracted to corrections service. This requires that career and economic incentives be improved for those who serve women in corrections. Currently, women constitute the fastest growing segment of prison and jail populations, even though their crime rate is not increasing significantly. Nearly half of the incarcerated women have been convicted for a nonviolent crime, most often a drug-related offense. This trend has been caused by "get tough" policies intended to target drug dealers and "kingpins." Even though many women are in prison for drug-related offenses, however, there has not been an increase in drug treatment and other rehabilitation programs designed to address the many needs these women have because of their abusive, disadvantaged backgrounds. 33 references