NCJ Number
127523
Date Published
1987
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This report discusses achievements, future plans, and unresolved issues concerning services provided to women incarcerated in Massachusetts.
Abstract
The report finds that the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections have coordinated their activities to provide an expanded and more effective service program for female inmates. Expanded training programs and improved access to crisis intervention services are two areas that require further improvement. Several new programs have been developed to provide substance abuse treatment to civilly committed women and to sentenced women. Parenting and prenatal services are provided to pregnant inmates; other areas in which family-related services become involved include child custody advocacy, parenting workshops, and assistance with children's visits. Available employment, education, and training programs are outlined as are the implications for female offenders of the State's plan for system-wide expansion of correctional capacity. The report recommends the creation of an advisory council to participate in long-term planning in terms of programming and allocation of available space and resources.