Gender-responsive programs in U.S. prisons: implications for change

This research examines the need for programs that focus on mental health issues, parenting issues, and other unique needs of female offenders incarcerated throughout the United States. The Bureau of Justice Statistics showed that 84% of female offenders were living with their children prior to their arrest. This constitutes a crisis in our society today, which is manifest in overcrowded state and federal prisons, increased caseloads for the Department of Children and Family Services, the Foster Care System, and families of the offenders. The goal of this research is to determine what types of gender-responsive programs are effective in reducing recidivism. The methods used were qualitative data analysis, by comparing which programs are offered, either within the prison, or as a reentry postrelease program. A survey was used and interview data were analyzed by identifying and comparing common themes and patterns. The findings reveal the most effective gender-responsive programs are those that incorporate substance abuse treatment, education and job preparedness, parenting programs where contact with children is allowed and/or encouraged, and family reunification programs.