This document discusses research into the effectiveness of intervention programs for incarcerated women, noting that, in general, psychological-oriented interventions and substance use programs improve mental health symptoms and substance use among participants.
The objective of the research presented in this paper was to examine the effectiveness of interventions for incarcerated women. The researchers used a two-model system: the risk-reduction model for studies analyzing interventions to reduce recidivism rates, and the enhancement model for studies that target psychological and physical well-being. Results indicate that incarcerated women who participate in substance abuse interventions appear less likely to reoffend than those who do not participate. Enhancement model studies report mixed results. Overall, psychological-oriented interventions and substance abuse programs improve mental health symptoms and substance use among participants as compared to control or comparison groups. Results for HIV prevention programs are ambiguous, and parenting skill programs show no significant effect. Results highlight interventions that appear useful with female inmates. More rigorous research is needed to address many of these evidence-based interventions. Publisher Abstract Provided