Profiling the Needs of California's Female Prisoners: A Needs Assessment

• NCJ Number: 177244
• Author(s): B Owen; B Bloom
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 34 pages
• Grant Number(s): 94P01GHX0
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Sale Source: National Institute of Corrections; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents the findings of a three-phase research project that identified the needs of California's female prisoners and offers recommendations for meeting those needs.

Abstract

Data were collected through a population profile of female inmates incarcerated in the four correctional facilities for women in California, as well as an inventory and review of programs within these institutions. Sections II and III of the report state the research problems and the findings from prior studies regarding the problems and needs of female prisoners. Section IV describes the research design and data-collection methodologies. Sections V and VI present the data in the form of a population profile and a review of existing programs. Findings and recommendations derived from these two collection activities are combined in Section VII. Unmet needs were found in five general areas: community interventions, economic self- sufficiency, substance abuse treatment, family and personal issues, and monitoring and expanding existing programs. As the data show, these problems contribute significantly to the offense histories and behavioral profiles of this population. Although a range of programs exist within the system, program delivery is affected by waiting lists, small program size, and lack of systematic availability. The need for program expansion was evident. The profile data show that involvement in criminal behavior is tied directly to drug use and a lack of viable economic skills. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse against women and children also contributes to the problems of imprisoned women and requires serious attention. The data also show that commitment of institutional resources and institutional staff are critical to meeting the needs of prisoners. Recommendations are offered to address the unmet needs of female prisoners in each of the five areas of need identified. 64-item bibliography and appended survey instrument, institutional program survey form, and population offense distribution