Characteristics of Women in Jail and Treatment Orientations

Abstract

Women who have been incarcerated are a high-risk group for criminal recidivism, and criminal justice statistics indicate that females are increasing in numbers more rapidly than the male detainee population. According to data from epidemiologic studies, incarcerated women are often young, single, mothers from ethnic minority backgrounds who have little education and poor work histories. Mental illness, drug abuse, and risky behaviors relating to contracting HIV/AIDS are common problems among female detainees. In this report, research into characteristics of women in jail and literature relating to treatment programs for incarcerated women are reviewed. Implications relating to treatment needs, program development, and further research are discussed. A case example and treatment intervention are presented based on this review.

Substance abuse treatment for women: Changes in the settings where women received treatment and types of services provided, 1987–1998

“…75 Women offenders with substance abuse problems have service needs that are greater and that cross a wider spectrum compared with women offenders without substance abuse problems. [76][77][78][79] The lack of substance abuse treatment and supportive services for women offenders has been cited as a precipitant of recidivism and relapse following their release from prison. 8°…”

Reentry programming for opioid and opiate involved female offenders: Findings from a mixed methods evaluation

“…Prior research on the effectiveness of reentry and rehabilitation programs has largely focused on interventions aimed at male inmates (Blanchette & Brown, 2006;Haywood et al, 2000). Moreover, most therapeutic programs and risk assessment instruments were designed for male offenders, with little attention to gender-specific factors (Blanchette & Brown, 2006;Bloom, 2000;Smith & Manchak, 2015;Van Voorhis & Presser, 2001).…”

“…Additionally, female offenders are typically more likely to be dually diagnosed with both an addiction and mental health disorder -a group greatest in need of treatment (Ashley, Marsden, & Brady, 2003). Finally, the sheer number of women entering correctional facilities has increased significantly but without a corresponding increase in programming (Haywood, Kravitz, Goldman, & Freeman, 2000).…”

Gender differences in comorbid disorders among offenders in prison substance abuse treatment programs

“…Several authors have recommended ''gender sensitive'' treatment for substance-abusing women offenders because of their unique needs, including mental health (Alemagno, 2001;Haywood, Kravitz, Goldman, & Freeman, 2000;Koons, Burrow, Morash, & Bynum, 1997).…”