NCJ Number
197661
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 47-70
Date Published
2002
Length
24 pages
Annotation
After describing the Life Skills Program for women inmates in Michigan, this paper reports on an evaluation of the program's effectiveness in enhancing the basic life skills of the participants.
Abstract
The Life Skills Program, which has operated in two correctional facilities and one prison camp, was offered to female inmates prior to their release, and it continued during the months immediately following their release from prison. A transition counselor was assigned to each facility with the program. Over a 6-month period, the counselor led 3-hour group sessions at least 3 days a week. Participants were also given homework assignments. The counselors, along with the assistance of department staff, developed a curriculum that focused on eight areas: problem solving, stress management, anger management, money and time management, self-esteem, negotiation skills, parenting, and employability skills. A community advocate from an aftercare agency cooperated with the transition counselor and the participants to develop a reintegration plan. The evaluation of the program used a quasi-experimental design that compared the pretest and posttests of program participants with a similar comparison group. A total of 37 women in the treatment group and 23 women in the comparison group completed the posttest interview. Analyses included a comparison of test scores on specific program areas such as emotional empathy, self-esteem, coping resources, problem solving, parenting stress, employability, and well-being. Follow-up data on parole violations or new convictions were also compared. Overall, the Life Skills Program did address some of the special needs of female inmates. Significantly fewer Life Skills participants were returned to the correctional system for violations of parole or new offenses in the 60-day period after release compared to women in the comparison group. Problems in the program's implementation are identified, and suggestions are offered for enhancing the program's operation. 8 tables and 26 references