Research to Action: Informing Policy Makers About the Needs of Mothers and Children at Risk of Separation

• NCJ Number: 219713
• Journal: Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 2/3 Dated: 2006 Pages: 27-42
• Author(s): Patricia E. Allard
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article addresses the need and responsibility of researchers to conduct directed research that will inform policymakers how to best improve current initiatives and advance a nationwide approach to the needs of mothers at risk of incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses and their children.

Abstract

The article concludes that the development of a clearer understanding of which specific services and what implementation modalities make the most significant contribution to the treatment success of mothers with children is necessary to encourage policymakers to commit to the expansion of comprehensive family-based treatment programs. At the current juncture, as a growing number of women are incarcerated for nonviolent drug or drug-related offenses, the majority of whom are mothers who, under the Adoption and Safe Families Act, are at risk of being permanently separated from their children, research is urgently needed to assist policymakers in identifying the elements of a nationwide strategy to address the needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse. With concentrated and thorough research assessing the effectiveness and possibilities for improvement of current demonstration projects, researchers can help demonstrate that it is sound for policymakers to move toward a nationwide implementation of comprehensive community-based treatment programs for mothers and their children as an alternative to incarceration and foster care placement. This article begins by discussing the criminal justice policies that have contributed to the growth in the number of mothers incarcerated. It continues by outlining how current child welfare policies further punish incarcerated mothers and their children and undermine the possibility of eventual family reunification. It further documents policymakers’ willingness to divert mothers at risk of incarceration from prison to treatment programs, and advocates in favor of further steps in this direction. References