NCJ Number
149481
Journal
American Jails Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1993) Pages: 44- 53
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The Pima County (Arizona) Sheriff's Department and the Maternal Child Addiction Services developed an Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) for addicted women who are pregnant or at high risk of pregnancy.
Abstract
The first year of the Dos Pasos program was designed to extend outreach services to pregnant drug-abusing women in the adult county detention center on a voluntary basis. During the second year, program coordinators encouraged the criminal justice system to be more actively involved. The Dos Pasos Project coordinator acts as a liaison between all involved parties to ensure that the process is being followed and that the court is aware of all available options before sentencing. Dos Pasos case managers conduct client evaluations, which cover arresting offense, criminal history, substance abuse history, physical and mental health, and treatment history. Some of the environmental risk factors that interact with substance abuse to affect pregnant women include poor nutrition, lack of access to adequate prenatal care, physical and sexual abuse, and dysfunctional family relationships. Dos Pasos staff learn about the security needs and operations of the detention center as well as court procedures. Project staff present a weekly education program to the women in jail. Dos Pasos provides services to these women ranging from referrals to short-term intensive case management, crisis management, and long-term follow-up. 32 references