Women Behind Bars: Trends and Policy Issues

Abstract

Discusses the characteristics of the rapidly increasing female prison population in the US, focusing on improving current treatment & reducing incarceration rates. These women are predominantly poor, uneducated, & unskilled, as well as disproportionately African American, Latina, young, & mothers. The most common reason for incarceration is drugs, & recent studies suggest that state correctional facilities have the resources to provide drug treatment services to less than 20% of those in need. Further, prisons lack the resources to provide adequate services to the women with physical or mental health problems. It is argued that education & vocational training must be provided to reduce reincarceration, & the male-oriented prison system must better accommodate mothers & pregnant women. Decarceration can only be achieved through the establishment of long-term employment opportunities, reduction of socioeconomic disadvantage, drug rehabilitation programs, & a shift in public attitudes regarding the necessity & benefits of imprisonment. 45 References. Adapted from the source document.