Community Reintegration of Repeat Female Offenders in County Jails

Abstract

Repeat female offenders’ community transitions following incarceration, and their subsequent return to jail were investigated. Specifically examined were needs at release and whether unmet needs, personal history and post-discharge factors were associated with time out. Interviews were conducted with 160 jailed women. Hierarchical regression was used to examine factors associated with time out. Women present myriad needs at release that often go unmet; transportation and employment appear most salient. Time out was positively related to age, employment, and mental health treatment, and negatively associated with sexual violence. Coordinated efforts between jails and community-based providers are needed for women’s successful reentry.

Keywords:

• Incarcerated women
• reentry
• repeat female offenders
• returning to jail
• unmet service needs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).