Women and Corrections: A Model Program

1. Women and Corrections: A Model Program By Vanessa Alleyne,PhD

2. Statement of the Problem • In one of the most significant social phenomena of our time, the number of incarcerated women in the United States has nearly quadrupled since 1985, and shows few signs of abating in the present. • In one year (2004-2005), the number of female jail inmates rose 8%, while male inmates rose 4.3% (Harrison & Beck, 2006).

3. Why? • Significant changes in sentencing law, policing strategies, drug and mental health treatment, and other factors have contributed to this phenomenal growth, placing a new strain on criminal justice systems which are historically and largely designed for, and by, men.

4. Jails • The number of female inmates in our nation’s jails is increasing as well. Between 1995 and 2002, the number of women inmates doubled and, consistent with other jails in the country, the Bergen County Jail is also experiencing the impact of this quantum leap. • Women are incarcerated more often, held for longer periods while awaiting a bed in state prison or drug treatment, and experience higher rates of recidivism due to untreated addiction and mental health concerns than their male counterparts.

5. Prior work in the jail taught us the following: • Female inmates have needs (medical, emotional, mental, and social) that are significantly different than those of men; • Many women enter the criminal justice system with unaddressed substance abuse and mental health concerns, leading to longer stays in jail and greater disruption in the housing unit during their incarceration; • The legal system often refers women to residential substance abuse treatment, which has few available spaces (two reputable programs exist in the area); • Corrections and other jail staff feel ill-equipped to address the needs of female inmates; • Services to address the women’s unique concerns appear to be in need of expansion.

6. The Study Research Questions: • What are the mental health, substance use, and psychosocial needs of incarcerated women at the Bergen County Jail? • What services are needed to address these concerns?

7. Procedures • n=250 Newly admitted women were interviewed; Measures used: Positive and Negative Affect States (PANAS) Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Levenson Self Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) Resiliency Scale for Adults (RSA) Addiction Severity Index (ASI)

8. Data collected was compared to National Reports on female offenders: • The National Crime Information Center’s report on Gender-Responsive Strategies for Women Offenders – Jail Applications (McCampbell, 2005); • The Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Special Report on Women Offenders (Greenfield & Snell, 1999); • The Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Report on Substance Dependence, Abuse, and Treatment of Jail Inmates (Karberg & James, 2002).

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15. Recommendations • Substance Abuse Treatment: a) Develop an in-house alcohol and drug treatment program for female inmates using an evidence-based treatment model. b) Educate the female population about available alcohol and drug treatment options and provide active assistance to access them.

16. Recommendations • Staff Training: Provide correctional staff with the knowledge and skills to work more effectively with women offenders. • Address Physical & Mental Health Needs: Assign in-house behavioral health specialists and medical personnel to specifically address the needs of female inmates.

17. Recommendations • Family & Social Support: • Increase opportunities for family visitation with an emphasis on increasing the ability. • Establish formal linkages with community organizations to provide ongoing and in-depth services for women. A sample of agencies for consideration is as follows: • Provide case-management services for women prior to release from jail in order to establish linkages and access community resources