Housing for Women Exiting Correctional Facilities
Housing for Women Exiting Correctional Facilities
Alfreda B. Green
Kaplan University
Housing has been an endless barrier to the successful return of ex-offenders into the communities where they live. There are facilities that help men with temporary housing; however, for female ex-offenders transitional housing support does not exist for them. When women are free from prison, they are free to go back to the places where they were formerly influenced to engage in unlawful behaviors again. What would you do or where would you go, if this were you? Having proper resident housing for women exiting from correctional facilities will help in areas needed not only to promote stability but also give them hope that will keep them from returning.
Across the nation, there is a lack of programming for females who are involved in the criminal justice system. This has been a mistake of many places because the population of women ex-offenders is not as large as the male population. In addition, males have a higher rate of more violent crimes than women do. Many places focus on the biggest problem, neglecting a problem that is growing alongside it. In this case, it is the female population of offenders (Hardyman, 2004).
Is there actually a need for this in Minnesota? Minnesota has ranked the highest on the return rate of offenders to correctional facilities (MN Public Radio, 2011). In order to change this, there needs to be an emphasis on the components that cause offenders to continue criminal behaviors. Research has shown that when we address the issues that influence criminal behaviors, we reduce the probability of re-offence (Minnesota Department of Corrections, 2010). Providing support through housing as well as addressing the individualized needs of ex-offenders such as mental health, work readiness skills, and chemical dependency treatment will transition things for the better.
Presently, when women in Winona County are released, they are released right back to
Alfreda B. Green
Kaplan University
Housing has been an endless barrier to the successful return of ex-offenders into the communities where they live. There are facilities that help men with temporary housing; however, for female ex-offenders transitional housing support does not exist for them. When women are free from prison, they are free to go back to the places where they were formerly influenced to engage in unlawful behaviors again. What would you do or where would you go, if this were you? Having proper resident housing for women exiting from correctional facilities will help in areas needed not only to promote stability but also give them hope that will keep them from returning.
Across the nation, there is a lack of programming for females who are involved in the criminal justice system. This has been a mistake of many places because the population of women ex-offenders is not as large as the male population. In addition, males have a higher rate of more violent crimes than women do. Many places focus on the biggest problem, neglecting a problem that is growing alongside it. In this case, it is the female population of offenders (Hardyman, 2004).
Is there actually a need for this in Minnesota? Minnesota has ranked the highest on the return rate of offenders to correctional facilities (MN Public Radio, 2011). In order to change this, there needs to be an emphasis on the components that cause offenders to continue criminal behaviors. Research has shown that when we address the issues that influence criminal behaviors, we reduce the probability of re-offence (Minnesota Department of Corrections, 2010). Providing support through housing as well as addressing the individualized needs of ex-offenders such as mental health, work readiness skills, and chemical dependency treatment will transition things for the better.
Presently, when women in Winona County are released, they are released right back to
References: Hardyman, P. L., & VanVoorhis, P (2004). Developing Gender Specific Classification Systems for Women Offenders. National Institute of Corrections. Retrieved from http://nicic.gov/Library/018931 Hooley, Doug (2010, 03 30). 6 Evidence-based Practices Proven to Lower Recidivism. Retrieved from http://www.correctionsone.com/re-entry-and-recidivism/articles/2030030-6-evidence-based-practices-proven-to-lower-recidivism/ McPhail, M. E., Falvo, D. R., & Burker, E. J. (2012). Psychiatric Disorders in Incarcerated Women: Treatment and Rehabilitation needs for successful community reentry. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 43(1), 19-26. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/963777466?accountid=34544 Minnesota Department of Corrections. Performance Report Fiscal Year 2010. Retrieved from http://www.doc.state.mn.us/publications/legislativereports/documents/FY10PerformanceReport.pdf Minnesota Public Radio. (2011). Minnesota leads nation in recidivism rate. Retrieved from MPR News: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/12/recidivism-rate Risk/Needs Assessment 101 (2011). Science Reveals New Tools to Manage Offenders. Retrieved from http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=85899364058 Scally, C (2005). Housing Ex-Offenders: Challenges to Re-entry. National Housing Institute; Shelterforce, 119. Retrieved from http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/139/exoffenders.html