EmpowHER not ImprisonHER

The number of incarcerated people suffering from a mental health problem has risen to an alarmingly high number. In 2005, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that more than half of all prison and jail inmates had a mental health problem and 16% suffer from a serious mental illness (James & Glaze, 2006). These are occurring at much higher rates for women than they are for men. Mental health problems are defined as a recent history of symptoms identified by the DSM-IV or a clinical diagnosis. In the general population of people eighteen years old and over, one out of ten have a mental illness, but it is five times that in the incarcerated population.
With the issue of mental health among women offenders on the rise, something needs to be done to combat the problem. We have a social responsibility to take action to help them improve their quality of life and productivity to society. This population of women are in need for services from the point of arrest all the way through re-entry. With assistance we can ensure public safety and reduce recidivism rates.

YOU can help. YOU can make a difference.
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