INSIDE VOICES

1. INSIDE VOICES Lori A. Rinehart Dr. Kathy Fejes Gender Specific Services Task Force October 12, 2007

2. 69 women and young women interviewed. • The Iowa Correctional Institution for Women – Therapeutic Community - Mitchellville • Forest Ridge Youth Services - Estherville • The Iowa Juvenile Home/Girls State Training School - Toledo • Horizons – Cedar Rapids

3. Six broad questions were asked. Stories were told. Information was recorded.

4. Question # ONE Tell me about what you were doing/thinking just prior to committing the crime for which you were incarcerated/placed? 17 out of the 69 reported being alone when they committed their offense. The majority of those who were with others were with males.

5. What were you thinking…continued • The use of drugs and/or alcohol were a factor for 48 of the 69 women interviewed. The 18 adult women interviewed were in the Therapeutic Community Program because of addiction issues. • 30 of the 51 young women reported the use of alcohol and/or drugs.

6. What were you thinking…continued • 11 talked about gang affiliation • 11 talked specifically about unhealthy relationships • 19 admitted to stupidity or incorrect thinking • Most took responsibility for their actions.

7. Question # Two Tell me about what happened during the arrest that led to your incarceration/placement? Describe the specific circumstances and your treatment by police. Describe how you treated police during the arrest/being taken into custody?

8. Treatment by Police • 28 reported that the police tried to help. Many experienced positive treatment. • 9 reported that the police were mean or abusive verbally • 22 reported that the police handled the situation with physical intervention

9. Treatment of Police • 22 reported they were verbally abusive to police • 17 reported they were physically aggressive • Many commented that they complied with whatever was expected of them.

10. Question # Three For what crime were you incarcerated/placed? What were the specific charges?

11. Crimes… The crimes reported included: • Adults: parole violation, forgery, fraud, OWI, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and manufacturing meth, assault, weapons. • Juveniles: running away, truancy, shoplifting, criminal mischief, interference with official acts, auto theft, forgery, public intoxication, possession of alcohol, possession of drugs, possession with intent to deliver, assault, assault with a deadly weapon, concealed weapon.

12. Question # Four Tell me about your legal representation. Almost 80% of the women interviewed were represented by public defenders/court appointed attorneys. Over 55% were represented by male attorneys. About 35% felt they were represented by a competent attorney.

13. Attorney continued… • The biggest complaint about attorneys was that they spent very little time with them. “I only saw them in court.” • The young women who spoke well of their attorneys talked about having a relationship with their attorney (she calls and checks in) and that she felt like someone was advocating for them.

14. Question # Five Tell me about your trial/hearing. Rate it from 1-5 with 1 being fair, impartial an speedy and 5 being unfair, biased and very slow. Almost 70% of the women interviewed rated their hearing a 1, 2 or 3.

15. Hearing/Trial…What was the worst thing about it? The majority of women interviewed responded to this question by talking about family… “Not being able to say goodbye to my family.” “Everyone being disappointed in me.” “Hearing my mother agree with the sentence.” “Hearing my parents say they couldn’t handle me at home.” “Having to call my mom and tell her.” “Leaving my daughter.” “Mom was upset.” Seeing the disappointment on my dad’s face.”

16. But for some… The worst thing was… “Realizing that money can’t get me out of this.” “Not knowing they were thinking about trying me as an adult.” “Being lied to.” “Being tricked.” “Dealing with a charge I never really committed.”

17. Hearing/Trial – Has anything positive come out of this? Again – the majority of women interviewed talked about relationships… “I’ve built good relationships – my family is coming together.” “Having people at IJH who care about me.” “Re-establishing relationships.” “Improved relationship with my mom and sister.” “The relationship with my mom – maintaining trust.”

18. What positive has happened? (cont.) Still others were grateful for the chance this gave them… “Going to IJH has been the best thing that has happened to me.” “I’m alive and sober.” “I can now admit to addictions and can change.” “I’ve had a big turn around…wanting to change and learning tools.” “I’ve realized the opportunities that are there.”

19. Question # Six Describe life on the inside of the facility? Rate life on the inside from 1-5 with 1 being the most horrible conditions imaginable and 5 being a safe environment with opportunities to become a better person 77% of the participants rated their facility as a 4 or 5.

20. Staff… Tell me about the staff who work at the facility? Overwhelmingly the women interviewed felt the staff that work with them are kind, caring, won’t give up on them. They feel heard and listened to. The women appreciate the diversity of staff – age, race, perspectives. There are some staff that, according to the women interviewed are only working there for the money, play favorites, and don’t care.

21. What do they need to succeed? • Transition planning and support when they leave • The boys to be gone • Being able to get the services needed while there (classes – educational) • AA/NA meetings on site • Mentors • More issue driven groups – anger, eating disorders • Better school scheduling • Sports teams • Able to wear sweat pants and make-up

22. Reflections • Drug and alcohol use play a huge role – better prevention and treatment services are needed • Young women are experiencing many placements – we’ve got to do better for them • Training for staff • Transition, transition, transition