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Justice Involved Women Women represent the fastest growing segment of the ever increasing number of people involved in the US criminal justice system, with incarceration rates growing at twice the rate of men's. Texas had 13,931 women under the jurisdiction of correctional authorities at the end of 2007, more than any other state. Statistics show that most women are imprisoned for nonviolent drug charges or economic crimes; the rising numbers of women in the justice system are primarily associated with poverty and drug use. Incarcerated women typically have little education or vocational training and live well below poverty level. Many are homeless. Rates of medical problems, mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder are far higher than those of men. A striking 80% of incarcerated women report the experience of violence or sexual assault by intimates, and a majority present long-standing histories of being victims of violence, sexual abuse and corresponding trauma. Two thirds of incarcerated women are mothers who lived with multiple minor children. Many are single parents. If social service agencies become involved in placing children in foster care while a mother is incarcerated, legal requirements make her loss of custody almost inevitable. It is perhaps not surprising that children with an incarcerated parent, growing up in this web of violent and unstable family relationships, substance abuse and poverty, are 5-8 times more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system themselves. From a Corrections standpoint, women offenders have complex needs -- often issues of trauma, self-esteem and parenting are interrelated with mental illness and substance abuse. In a criminal justice system designed for and dominated by men, access to programming that is responsive to these needs is limited. However, programs with gender-specific, trauma-informed approaches can make a positive difference in the lives of motivated women. A focus on special issues like relationships, parenting skills and custody issues, abuse and victimization, depression, cultural and social issues, empowerment and spirituality is important. Substance abuse programs and mental health treatment are needed as well as education, vocational training and life skills programs. Ideally, services that begin while incarcerated can be linked to integrated follow-up services and support groups in the community at reentry. When women are released, the obstacles facing them have multiplied. They must quickly find a way to meet basic needs like food, housing, transportation and find a job. And in Texas, those with a drug felony on record are futher handicapped by a lifelong ban from receiving food stamps, welfare benefits, section 8 housing or educational assistance. Without help, many will return to jail, adding to the numbers of incarcerated women . . . . and to the likelihood of serious intergenerational consequences. Factsheet: Women in Prison PDF Resolana  -  PO Box #225175  -  Dallas, Texas 75222  -  USA