NCJ Number
210000
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 85 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 168-185
Date Published
June 2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the major criminogenic and noncriminogenic needs of women inmates in the Canadian medium-security Provincial Correctional Facility for Women (PCFW).
Abstract
The 27 persons interviewed between April and June 1999 consisted of 8 women sentenced in a provincial court, 3 women who were sentenced in a Federal court, 8 treatment providers, 5 correctional officers, and 3 correctional administrators. Interview data were supplemented with direct observation conducted during 37 visits to the PCFW. Inmates, correctional officers, and treatment workers cited the major criminogenic needs being addressed as education; vocational training; and specialized programs in the areas of substance abuse, financial management, and sexual offending. In terms of actual implementation, vocational training programs were not offered, and community work placements were no longer available. Drug education was neither extensively nor intensively provided, largely because instructors were not available in the rural location of the facility. There were no specialized treatment programs that focused on the specific causes of female criminality, although official policy called for such programs. The primary noncriminogenic needs identified by the inmates were access to health care providers, access to medications, access to a safe and healthy environment, and family visitation and contacts. In actuality access to and time with health care providers were limited. The fact that the only physician available was male caused some discomfort for the inmates, as were compromises in doctor-patient confidentiality and lock-downs following hospital visits. The provision of psychiatric care was particularly problematic. Access to medications and uncertainty about their availability posed problems for inmates, and there were no adequate exercise facilities. The location of the facility in a sparsely populated rural area far from any major urban center limited visits by family and friends; this situation was particularly difficult for mothers with young children. 37 references