Reentry Programming for Opioid and Opiate Involved Female Offenders: Findings From a Mixed Methods Evaluation

• NCJ Number: 250862
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 46 Dated: September 2016 Pages: 129-136
• Author(s): H. V. Miller; J. M. Miller; J. C. Barnes
• Date Published: September 2016
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-RW-BX-0008
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A mixed methods design that used qualitative interviews and a quasi-experimental design were used to both determine program effectiveness and explore women's narratives regarding their addiction and incarceration.

Abstract

Findings from a quasi-experimental design indicate that program participation significantly reduced recidivism, as did marital status. Qualitative interview findings suggest that the licit use of prescription opioid medication preceded heroin dependency in many cases, which resulted in related criminality. Focus group interviews also indicated that participants responded positively to programming but had variable levels of self-efficacy. The study concludes that reentry programs designed for male offenders can also reduce recidivism among female offenders. America's burgeoning heroin epidemic has the potential for significant costs for local criminal justice systems as more lower level drug offenders are sentenced to jails instead of State prisons. (Publisher abstract modified)