NCJ Number
168645
Journal
Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1997) Pages: 41-51
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Incarcerated women 203 of 237 completed a needs survey designed by an inmate steering committee; it provided a profile of the inmate population and assisted in program planning.
Abstract
Participants consisted of female inmates at the Nevada Women's Correctional Center. European Americans (57 percent) constituted the major portion of respondents, followed by African Americans (22 percent), Hispanic Americans (7 percent), Native Americans (5 percent), Asian Americans (2 percent), and those classified as "other" (7 percent). The study focused on the variables of ethnicity, history of physical/sexual abuse, and history of substance abuse. Findings support previous research, in that most inmates are multiple offenders and victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or both, as well as substance abuse. The high rates of substance abuse and criminal behavior in this population suggest a strong need for substance abuse education and treatment. The survey results were used to develop relevant programming, including a substance abuse education class, a self-study program, didactic groups, and workshops on a number of topics (e.g., domestic violence and managing emotions). 4 tables and 24 references