New R Street Policy Paper: Female prisoners need tailored reentry programs
In a new policy paper, R Street policy analyst and state affairs manager for criminal justice, Jesse Kelley examines barriers to reentry for the formerly incarcerated with a specific concentration on the female experience. In addition, the paper suggests tailored policies and programs that can ameliorate barriers to reentry.
Women face challenges that are markedly distinctive from men and thus require equally distinctive approaches. Indeed, since the vast majority of offenses committed by women are relatively minor and non-violent, community-based alternatives can help keep women out of prison in the first place; ensure adequate substance abuse treatment, sanitation and healthcare options for all system-involved women; keep families together and out of the system; and help to obtain—and retain—the necessary employment or education for a more promising future.
The author concludes, “…in many cases, allowing mothers to remain out of prison and to participate in community-based alternatives is the best situation for the family.”
