Assessment of and Services for Substance-Abusing Women Offenders in Community and Correctional Settings

Abstract

This article summarizes previous literature on the needs of substance-abusing women offenders and presents the main findings of a nationwide survey of community-based and corrections-based treatment programs for women offenders and of site visits to such programs. Several program characteristics were found that pose obstacles to women's entry and successful involvement in treatment: absence of child care, especially among programs for both men and women; restrictive screening instruments that deny access to, for example, pregnant women and women with mental impairment; and needs assessment protocols that lack comprehensive standards, resulting in a failure to properly perceive women's needs and provide, or refer to, appropriate services. To effectively address the problems of drug abuse, drug-related health problems, and drug-related criminal activity among women, programs should move toward a system-oriented approach to service delivery that emphasizes linkage of criminal justice agencies, drug treatment programs, and social service agencies to arrange for the crucially needed ancillary services that must complement drug treatment to promote lasting change.

Reintegrating women leaving jail into urban communities: a description of a model program

“…12 Most will return from jail to the same neighborhoods and conditions without having received any services to address their underlying problems. [13][14][15][16] The rise in incarceration has had a disproportionate impact on women. The number of women in prison has multiplied almost four-fold in the past 10 years, while the general prison population has doubled.…”

“…Other researchers have documented that the case management approach can help meet some of the unique challenges of working in a jail setting. 14,16,45,49 This strategy engages the client in the treatment process by helping her assess her own needs, developing a service plan, linking her with appropriate services, monitoring her progress, and when necessary, intervening with advocacy on her behalf. 65 Case management programs vary significantly, but typically share key characteristics: small caseloads, intensity of services, links to other community resources, and efforts to reach those who are disengaged.…”

Tailoring of Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment to Women, 1995–2005

“…19 Although not statistically significant, there was suggestion of a possible trend toward decreased child care availability. Given previous research indicating the importance of child care to retaining female substance abuse clients in treatment, 13,22,[35][36][37] this potential trend is of particular concern. The decrease in single sex group therapy availability bodes badly in particular for such vulnerable subgroups as women who have survived sexual abuse, remain in abusive relationships with men, 38 or who are prostitutes.…”

Employment Type and Length of Stay in Substance Abuse Treatment: Economic Factors and Gender Specific Effects

“…As previous interventions and treatment programs have recognized the need for gender specific options, the evidence presented here can be used to design more effective substance abuse policy and treatment programs (Prendergast, Wellisch, & Falkin, 1995;Reed, 1987 for example).…”