NCJ Number
147456
Date Published
Unknown
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article reviews theoretical and programmatic issues related to including female addicts in shock incarceration programs. Inmate anecdotes are used to identify critical aspects of this intervention.
Abstract
Currently, eight States have boot camp programs that include female offenders. Three critical areas have been identified as important to developing treatment programming for women: their tendency to participate more intensely and become more invested in program activities, their development of more intense relationships with other inmates and staff, and their better response to positive incentives. The current model for the treatment of female offenders includes 30 hours of direct staff lead programming in Adult Basic Education, substance abuse, life skills, wellness, and community meetings. This model is designed to meet many of the women's unique issues including poor self-care, low self-esteem, parenting and child care concerns, educational deficits, limited income earning potential, and housing needs. Anecdotal evidence collected from female participants in the boot camp program in Massachusetts revealed that they believed the experience had changed their perceptions of accountability and had allowed them to form positive relationships with drill instructors and treatment staff as well as their community members. 33 references and appendixes