Best Practices for Female Reentry Programs: A Case Study of Friends of Guest House

• In Event: A Case Study on Best Practices and Reality in Female Offender Reentry Programs

Abstract

The Friends of Guest House program consists of a 24/7 approach in which the individual needs of each woman are comprehensively addressed via case management. The program consists of many empirically supported best practices such as mental health and substance abuse counseling; life skills training; direct help or community referrals for medical care; educational and job training, job placement, affordable housing, child custody issues, legal problems and emergency needs (food, clothing, shelter). While Friends of Guest House covers many needs of the re-entering woman and address the many risk factors outlined in research, there still is possibility for improvement, however there is a lack of research on treatment programs for females. In addition to the lack of research, there is a balance of resources and impact that non-profit organizations much strike with funding sources. Despite the lack of research and ample funding, Friends of Guest House is able to help individuals restart life, seeing only 10% of the 150 women annually recidivate.

Authors

• Jessica Nicole Rodgers, Friends of Guest House

• Samantha Senn, American University