NCJ Number
192834
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 36 Issue: 14 Dated: 2001 Pages: 2159-2170
Date Published
2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether gender-specific differences existed in the perception in drug user treatment services.
Abstract
The 9 month residential program consists of drug misuse counseling groups led by correctional counselors, individual counseling on an “as needed” basis, and drug education classes. The hypothesis is that female wards participating in the drug user treatment program would report different perceptions of treatment and identify different treatment needs than males in the program. Focus groups were conducted with a stratified random sample of male and female wards in the drug user treatment program. Results indicated that female wards reported different perceptions of treatment services received and treatment-related needs than male wards. The tendency for females to conceptualize their progress in the program in terms of personal growth was consistent with were more likely than men to recognize and seek treatment for their psychiatric and emotional problems. Both male and female wards indicated a desire for additional individual counseling. Female participants qualified this preference with the requirement that this counseling be provided by staff who were empathetic and supportive. A majority of female wards also believed that counseling should be the primary concern of the counseling staff. Male wards were consistent in their interest in vocational resources, including job training and placement. Female wards expressed an interest in educational resources, such as reading classes and special education classes. Female participants expressed concerns about motherhood, demonstrating a tendency for females to downplay career aspirations to fulfill gender role expectations. Further research is needed but until such time, it is appropriate to direct vocational and parent education services to both male and female youthful offenders. 3 tables, 9 references