Maximizing Success for Drug-Affected Women After Release from Prison

Abstract

This paper describes the characteristics related to women's drug-use, criminal offending and incarceration and examines the policy and community contexts that shape their reentry after release from prison or jail. A qualitative study of formerly detained or incarcerated drug-affected women describes identified needs for services and employment as well as the challenges related to a disempowering environment.

Key Words:

• Drug use
• crime
• incarceration
• reentry