National Study of Women's Correctional Programs (From Criminal Justice System and Women, P 141-154, 1982, Barbara Raffel Price and Natalie J Sokoloff, eds. -- See NCJ-115340)

• NCJ Number: 115347
• Author(s): R M Glick; V V Neto
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Clark Boardman Company, Ltd
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study profiled female inmates and the programs and services available to them using data from 16 State prisons, 46 County jails, and 36 community-based programs in 14 States.

Abstract

Data came from administrators, staff, observation, and an inmate questionnaire administered to 1,067 women. The institutional types varies by location, physical design and adequacy, social environment, philosophy, intake and transitional programs, counseling, health care, education and training programs, and recreational opportunities. The percentage of women in Federal and State prisons has been increasing in the last decade, from 4 to 6 percent and 3 to 4 percent, respectively. However, almost one-fourth of all delinquents in detention are girls. Incarcerated women are young (generally under 30 years of age), 80 percent were without a male partner at time of incarceration, 75 percent have children, and 70 percent are single workers with full responsibility for family support. While 90 percent had worked at some time, 50 percent had received welfare at some time because of poor education and limited job opportunities. Blacks comprise only 12 percent of the general population, but 50 percent of female inmates were black. In general, conditions and programs at the institutions were inadequate, particularly in jails. Ironically, less serious offenders (misdemeanants and women awaiting trial) were more likely to be incarcerated in jails under strict security and with fewer program opportunities. 16 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)