Implementing Substance Abuse Screening and Brief Motivational Intervention with Women in Jail

• NCJ Number: 226755
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2009 Pages: 113-131
• Author(s): Aubrey L. Begun M.S.W., Ph.D.; Susan J. Rose M.S.W., Ph.D.; Thomas P. LeBel Ph.D.; Barbara A. Teske-Young M.S.
• Date Published: March 2009
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents a social work in-reach model for women in jail who might be experiencing substance abuse problems.

Abstract

The project entitled Supporting Jail in Providing Drug Abuse Services for Women (the Women and Jails Project) proposes the development, implementation, and evaluation of in-reach services directed toward the identification of women’s substance abuse service needs while in jail and as they prepare for reentry to the community. A significant aspect of the Women and Jails Project is its in-reach nature: bringing evidence-informed social work practices from the community to women in jail and facilitating continuity of care for them after release. The majority of women who voluntarily engaged in the project were well aware of their problems with alcohol and other drugs, and were motivated to make changes in this aspect of their lives. This article examines key aspects in developing and implementing in-reach services for substance-abusing women in jail and provides data related to initial implementation of this model. The Women and Jails Project offers a model for possible adoption in other communities. References