NCJ Number
221876
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 23 Issue: 101 Dated: November/December 2007 Pages: 34-36
Date Published
November 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features and the challenges of one of the Texas State jail facilities for women.
Abstract
The Plane/Henley State Jail near Dayton, TX began operating in May 2007. It recently scored 99 percent in the American Correctional Association's accreditation process. The women inmates come from all over Texas; however, four counties provide 50 percent of those currently housed in the jail. Eighty-five percent of the inmates are drug users whose crimes supported their drug habits. Volunteers assist in providing substance abuse treatment. Many of the inmates have experienced a lifetime of abuse and neglect by parents, partners, and pimps. Eight staff members are involved in treating inmates for psychiatric and physical health problems. The facilities are similar to those that house male inmates. The large metal buildings have multiple pods, some of which are equipped for handicapped inmates; each pod houses 56-58 women. Numerous specialized programs are offered, including programs for children of incarcerated parents, rehabilitation and reentry programs, education programs, and faith-based volunteer programs. Special contact visits are available to eligible offenders. One challenge facing the staff is the prevention of the development of "family systems" among the inmates, which may involve aggressive inmates forcing "intimate" relationships on weaker females. Rape is a problem, both inmate-on-inmate and officer-on-inmate.