NCJ Number
127974
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Female offenders have special needs which must be addressed by the criminal justice system.
Abstract
They are usually arrested for crimes against property and are seldom violent. Most have substance abuse problems and many have a history of intravenous drug use with the resulting increased risk of HIV infection. Women in prison often have children or are pregnant. The Massachusetts Department of Corrections formed an advisory group to review services for women in employment and training, special needs, transitional planning and housing, and AIDS. As the State's primary facility for women, MCI Framingham received particular scrutiny. A brief description of the facility is provided as well as other facilities that serve women offenders. Services at Framingham include: (1) mental health counseling; (2) substance abuse treatment; (3) parenting and family services; (4) employment planning, education, and vocational counseling; (5) health screenings, treatment, and referrals. Areas of service need include: (1) increased treatment for alcoholism, drug abuse, mental health, and health problems; and (2) coordination in matching with the length of sentence, and integration with available community and institution resources. Additional space for both programs and inmate living areas was seen as crucial. In general, the Department of Corrections should collaborate with other State agencies to develop innovative and effective strategies to meet the needs of women offenders within a corrections environment.