Women, Crime and Drugs

Abstract

As more women are brought into the criminal justice system for crimes related to drug usage, it is necessary to understand how the unique position of addicted female offenders may affect their successful participation in conventional drug treatment programs. This study examines the influence of social organization and systems of support on the female inmate's ability to successfully re-integrate, stay clean, and remain free of crime upon release from prison. Using data from a prison-based therapeutic community called CREST, serving male and female offenders in Delaware, this study compares the ability of female treatment program participants (test group) and work release participants (control group) to form networks of support and stability once released from prison. Additionally, this study examines the influence of systems of support on rates of recidivism or returning to drug use. By using a two-pronged study of social support building and recidivism for female offenders, the overall effectiveness of therapeutic communities for a unique and important population can be examined.

Key Words:

• Women
• crime
• drugs
• therapeutic communities
• prison
• social support
• social disorganization