Prison Therapeutic Community Treatment for Female Offenders: Profiles and Preliminary Findings for Mental Health and Other Variables (Crime, Substance Use and HIV Risk)

• NCJ Number: 223142
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 46 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 233-261
• Author(s): Joann Y. Sacks; Stanley Sacks; Karen McKendrick; Steven Banks; Marlies Schoeneberger; Zachary Hamilton; Joseph Stommel; Joanie Shoemaker
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 29 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using random assignment, this study compared the characteristics and preliminary outcomes for women in a prison therapeutic community (TC) program with those in a cognitive-behavioral intervention, called the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Abstract

The women in both the TC and IOP were generally undereducated and under-employed, with high rates of mental disorder and psychological symptoms, high exposure to interpersonal and community violence, and significant social dysfunction. Outcomes measured 6 months after their release from prison showed that women in both the TC and IOP interventions improved significantly on all variables in each of the outcome domains (mental health, substance use, criminal behavior, and HIV risk). Better 6-month postprison outcomes were found for the TC group on measures of depression and posttraumatic symptom severity. Although women in both groups significantly reduced their exposure to physical, sexual, and community trauma, women in the TC had significantly less exposure to sexual violence. Women in the TC had significantly fewer arrests for criminal acts compared to women in the IOP intervention. Women in the TC also had a greater reduction in trading sex for money or drugs. The TC contained all of the standard TC elements, including morning meetings, house meetings, seminars, encounter groups, and peer hierarchy. These elements were integrated with gender-specific groups and activities. Inmates progressed through four program stages. The IOP was designed to address substance abuse and criminality through a 90-hour substance abuse treatment curriculum presented in an educational format. A cognitive behavioral format addressed underlying issues of substance use/abuse and criminal behavior. The sample consisted of 314 women in TC and 151 women in IOP. Data were collected with standardized self-report instruments. Additional data were obtained from information systems maintained by the Colorado Department of Corrections. 4 tables and 58 references