NCJ Number
150581
Date Published
1994
Length
69 pages
Annotation
Data from 415 unconvicted inmates in three London prisons in 1991 formed the basis of an analysis of the needs of these inmates and the extent to which they were being met.
Abstract
The sample consisted of 75 females, 207 adult males, and 133 male juveniles. The analysis focused on welfare needs, which included family relationships, housing, financial assistance, and related areas. Information was collected regarding the situation of these inmates before detention, the problems experienced while in custody and whether they sought help, the views of correctional personnel regarding their work with unconvicted prisoners, and other areas. Results revealed that 52 percent of these inmates were in prison for the first time. The majority had been unemployed and living in rental housing before imprisonment. Nearly half had dependent children; 38 percent were receiving government financial assistance. Their most common problems related to bail, depression, loneliness, coping with detention, arranging telephone calls, and relationships with their spouse or nonmarital partner. They received little help from correctional probation officers or from outside agencies to address these issues. Two-thirds anticipated having financial problems if they were released. The findings indicated the need for several specific strategies to address these problems. Since the survey changes have occurred in some of these areas. Appended tables, forms, information booklet from one prison, list of Home Office Publications, and 19 references