NCJ Number
168447
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The executive director of the Women's Prison Association discusses the need for collaborative partnerships to address the needs of female offenders and describes the efforts of the Women's Prison Association.
Abstract
The inmate population is increasing rapidly; women are the fastest growing part of the population in custody. More than 80 percent of women in the criminal justice system are mothers, typically of 2.4 children. The majority of women are incarcerated for nonviolent crimes, often drug law offenses. At least 80 percent are drug abusers and at least 80 percent are victims of domestic assault. They are undereducated and often have never been employed. Correctional programs need to address all these issues as well as housing and child care. The Women's Prison Association has always maintained a dual focus on direct services and advocacy. In the last 5 years it has started four new programs that constitute a continuum of care for female offenders. These include a residential alternative to incarceration, a transitional services program for women who are HIV-positive or at risk of infection, transitional housing and support services to homeless women leaving incarceration who wish to reunify with their children and workshops and assistance to clients of the other three programs. The organization also regards both education and policy advocacy as essential and conducts active efforts in both areas.