NCJ Number
150327
Journal
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Communique Dated: (Spring 1993) Pages: 31-33
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The number of female inmates is increasing, and incarcerated women who have alcohol and drug problems need comprehensive treatment and support services.
Abstract
Women are more likely than men to be serving sentences for drug offenses. They are overwhelmingly convicted of nonviolent offenses arising from economic motives, such as theft, fraud, prostitution, drug offenses, and forgery. Women are more likely than men to have used heroin or cocaine, both daily and in the month preceding the current offense. Incarcerated women are primarily single heads of households who are struggling with both drug addiction and poverty. Frequently, they have been physically or sexually abused, are unemployed, and have medical problems. About one in four female inmates is either pregnant or postpartum when she enters prison. An effective response to the needs of female inmates requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving advocates, service providers, policymakers, former and current inmates, and families. Five strategies to address the core needs of female inmates are presented: (1) expand community corrections alternatives, intermediate sanctions, and residential treatment for incarcerated women; (2) offer programs in prisons and jails that specifically target women and that address factors that trigger criminal behavior and alcohol and drug use; (3) address the medical needs of women and provide followup once the women leave correctional facilities; (4) view the needs of women in the criminal justice system broadly and strategically collaborate with other organizations that provide services to low-income persons; and (5) provide services to pregnant and parenting women.