NCJ Number
173906
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Issues and service needs of women who have mental illnesses and are involved in various parts of the criminal justice system were examined in a September 1994 meeting of experts with experience in women's issues in correctional settings.
Abstract
The meeting focused on women's special needs when they come into contact with the police and when they are in jails, prisons, and community supervision and on how mental health services can be provided in these settings to women with mental illnesses. Women represent between 5 and 10 percent of jail and prison inmates, but they are more likely than incarcerated men to have severe mental illnesses and to be diagnosed with affective disorders. However, many correctional facilities do not provide a full range of mental health services or appropriate housing options for female inmates and detainees. In addition, services that are offered are often based on the needs of men. Strategies that deserve consideration include the use of standards or mandates in all criminal justice settings, an acknowledgement of the differences between men and women, and the use of strengths rather than deficit models in program activities. The specific issues related to police, jails, prisons, and community corrections also need attention. Chart listing major tasks and timeline for further analysis of these issues