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Drug-Abusing Women Offenders: Results of a National Survey

NCJ Number
149261
Author(s)
J Wellisch; M L Prendergast; M D Anglin
Date Published
1994
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the results of a national survey conducted in 1992-1993 of drug abuse treatment programs for women offenders.
Abstract
The survey focused on issues of assessing drug-abusing women offenders' needs and services in community and custodial treatment programs. This survey was part of larger study of criminal justice drug treatment programs for women offenders conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles Drug Abuse Research Center and the National Development and Research Institute. Programs included in the survey were identified from a literature review, recommendations of colleagues, and a mailing to the directors of Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime projects, and to the directors of State departments of corrections, alcohol and drug programs. Two surveys were mailed, one for community-based programs and the other for corrections-based programs. From the returned questionnaires, data were available for analysis on 165 community-based programs, 16 jail programs, and 53 prison programs. Information was received on programs in 40 States, including the District of Columbia. Results for community-based and custodial programs are included. Key findings of the survey reveal that services for women drug offenders are inadequate. Recommendations include more coordinated efforts among Federal, State, and local agencies; more programs that provide continual support to enable women drug-abusing offenders to make the transition from treatment to independent living in the community; and more family services that include accommodations for infants and children. Tables, notes, references