The Dynamics of a Prison-Based Therapeutic Community for Women Offenders

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that there is a strong relationship between substance abuse and various forms of criminal activity and that drug treatment is effective in reducing crime among substance abusers. Yet, there is a large discrepancy between the number of individuals in the criminal justice system who need treatment and the number of treatment slots available. Indications are that women offenders are even more underserviced with respect to drug treatment than are male offenders. Qualitative data are used here to examine the day-today operations of a prison-based therapeutic community forwomen offenders, with a particular focus on external constraints on the community. Quantitative data are used to examine completion rates and outcomes forwomen in the program, yielding a clear inference that the program was effective in reducing recidivism among its participants.