Women on Probation and Parole

by Morash, Merry

• ISBN13: 9781555537234
• ISBN10: 1555537235
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-05-11
• Publisher: Northeastern Univ Pr

Summary

So far there has been very limited research on the effectiveness of gender-responsive as compared to traditional supervision of women felons on probation and parole. This volume, based on extensive longitudinal, qualitative data from probation and parole officers and from in-depth interviews with the women themselves, fills this gap. Merry Morash has based her study on data from two counties in the same state that differed markedly in their approaches to supervision. Gender Responsive County emphasized identifying and meeting a wide range of needs unique or common to women offenders. Traditional County emphasized compliance with rules and similar treatment for women and men. Within this comparative frame, Morash discusses life issues of women offenders, including dangerous places where they live, relationships with partners and children, and reliance on a mix of criminal and prosocial support networks. She documents change and demonstrates how a dedicated and innovative team of probation and parole officers apply a gender-responsive approach to produce positive outcomes for women addicted to drugs or dependent on destructive and abusive partners.

Author Biography

MERRY MORASH is a Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University. She is an American Society of Criminology Fellow and recipient of its Division on Women and Crime distinguished scholar award.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Research Purposes and Design

The Women on Probation and Parole

Dominant Crimes

Women's Characteristics by Dominant Crime Subgroup

Outcomes in the Two Counties

Drug Users Who Fail

Supervision for Women Using Drugs but Not Failing

Positive Changes for Substance- Centered Women

Keeping Women off Drugs

Supervision for Women without Drug Problems

Conclusion

Key Findings and Implications

Appendixes

Survey Questions for Supervising Officers

Interview Questions for Women on Probation and Parole

References

Index

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