NCJ Number
184548
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 31 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2000 Pages: 135-160
Date Published
2000
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Over the years 1982-1998, the demographics of women incarcerated at the Nebraska Center for Women have undergone substantial change.
Abstract
The number of inmates incarcerated for violent offenses has increased 8 percent and now constitutes 42 percent of the overall inmate population. The number of inmates incarcerated for drug-related offenses has similarly increased and now comprises 36 percent of the inmate population, with 85 percent of all inmates having been identified as having a substance abuse problem. The inpatient drug treatment program can accommodate only a small percentage of such inmates. The number of inmates diagnosed with chronic mental illness has increased as well. The inmate population has continued to increase until the facility is now at 115-percent capacity. Inmate incidents of misconduct have accelerated. Inmates now receive a longer sentence but stay a shorter average time in confinement. The percentage of African-American women inmates has decreased from 43 percent to 27 percent over the period studied, but the percentage of Hispanic inmates has risen from 1.3 percent to 6.7 percent. Vocational and education programs are experiencing change and restructuring. With the new required personalized plans and the opportunity to earn positive time, enrollment in college courses has increased from 27 to 43 percent. A live-in nursery program started in 1994 allows mothers to keep their babies with them in the facility for up to 18 months. Programs that continue to emphasize traditional roles for women have been retained. Nontraditional vocational training has been terminated. 5 tables, 1 figure, and 10 references