Needs Assessment and Services for Drug-Abusing Women Offenders: Results From a National Survey of Community-Based Treatment Programs

• NCJ Number: 168735
• Journal: Women and Criminal Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: 1996 Pages: 27-60
• Author(s): J Wellisch; M L Prendergast; M D Anglin
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A nationwide survey of community-based programs providing drug treatment to female offenders focused on how programs assess needs and what services they provide.

Abstract

Data were collected by means of questionnaires mailed to 336 programs identified through several sources. Responses came from 159 programs. Most responding programs were either residential or drug-free outpatient programs, followed by day treatment programs, halfway houses, and methadone maintenance. Results revealed widespread inadequacies in the current treatment system in terms of needs assessment procedures and the provision of adequate services for this population. In addition, programs for women only tended to offer more services designed for women's special needs than did programs for both men and women. Findings from this and other surveys indicate the need for more programs that comprehensively assess the needs of drug-abusing female offenders and that offer services that are particularly needed by these women. Tables, note, and 33 references (Author abstract modified)