A Gender- Based and Trauma-Informed Approach to Incarceration

Abstract

For decades, women's imprisonment rate has grown twice as high as men's. Enforcement of low-level drug charges and low-level, nonviolent offenses is one of the contributing factors to the increase. Literature indicates that incarcerated women tend to experience poly-victimization and adverse childhood experiences, which causes severe mental health issues and risk behaviors. These adverse experiences compound with the harsh environment of imprisonment that further post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD) and depression. Incarceration of women disrupts family systems within their community and creates an influx within their child welfare system. There is a lack of gender-specific reentry programs for incarcerated women. Developing trauma-informed criminal justice practices that address the needs of incarcerated women is crucial to ending the abuse of the prison pipeline. The current research will address an economic empowerment model to address socioeconomic deprivation, poverty, and financial independence for incarcerated women. The researcher will discuss barriers and opportunities to address trauma and abuse in incarcerated women by assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of the reentry and community correction services and programs in Kansas. Policy recommendations will be provided to suggest reforms and campaign for change.