Women’s Needs After Release From Prison to a Rural Community

Abstract

Women being released from prison often lack the multidisciplinary support needed in the transition from prison to an independent life in the community. Factors contributing to the lack of services after release are, in some states, the denial of Medicaid to women with felony convictions related to drug crimes and the lack of social services and treatment programs readily available for women upon release. Information about which health care and social services are most needed by this population after discharge is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify specific discharge needs of women upon prison release and to describe services most important to this population. The sample consisted of women probationers, parolees, and those being released from a women’s correctional center. A survey instrument was developed to complete the needs assessment. Data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Specific needs identified were employment, staying drug free, reuniting with family, and medical/counseling treatment. Services deemed most important were counseling, legal assistance, abuse therapy, financial help with schooling, and discharge planning. This project hopes to build upon existing university/community resources and develop new ones depending upon the needs of the population.