You Can't Go Home Again

Abstract

In the past decade there has been a 132% increase in the number of women being supervised on parole. Nearly all of what is known about recidivism comes from research on male offenders which may not accurately nor adequately explain the post-prison experiences of females that lead to re-incarceration. This study reports findings from interviews with 38 women who had served multiple prison sentences. Findings from these interviews illustrate the role that drug relapse, inadequate employment, and relationships with children and other family members play in the post-prison adjustment of female recidivists. The implications of these findings for programs and policy are discussed.

Key Words:

• Women offenders
• recidivism
• prisons
• parole
• drug abuse