NCJ Number
182417
Date Published
December 1999
Length
87 pages
Annotation
Women with drug convictions in Pennsylvania were surveyed in terms of drug addiction and drug treatment to identify significant issues associated with drug use by and criminal activities of women.
Abstract
The research consisted of three related projects. The main project involved interviews with women who had drug convictions and correctional staff; 26 women with drug convictions and 3 women with pending drug felony drug charges were interviewed about their lives and hopes for the future. In addition, 30 correctional staff working in drug treatment programs throughout Pennsylvania were interviewed. The second project collected data on drug addiction, arrests, and convictions, while the third project reviewed certain portions of records for 31 women admitted to a women's residential drug and alcohol treatment program in Philadelphia. Most of the women had no prior drug convictions and their felony convictions were for very small drug quantities. The women began drug use as young children or teenagers, often in direct response to sexual and/or physical abuse or when they ran away to escape the abuse. The women had limited education, employment histories in short-term low-wage jobs, histories of homelessness and prostitution, multiple physical and mental health problems requiring treatment, and experiences of repeated violence as children and adults. Further, the women had children with whom they had very troubled relationships due to their drug addiction. Jail was the first place they were offered drug treatment and the first context in which the abuse they survived was addressed. Policy recommendations on how to support women in recovery from drug addiction are offered. Appendixes contain additional information on welfare assistance for women with drug problems. 313 footnotes