The Re-Entering Woman’s Perspective: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

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

Abstract

Friends of Guest House is a transitional program for women re-entry the community from jail or prison. Surveys were completed by clients as they exited the residential portion of the program, capturing their experience qualitatively and quantitatively. Their overall evaluation of the program was on a Likert Scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being very good) regarding such subjects as housing assistance, identification of problem areas with residential counselor, availability of staff to address individuals’ concerns and provision of employment leads. Comments fell into two primary themes: Identification of resources received that allowed them to develop stability; Recognition of skills that were learned via case management and support groups. Almost universally, the women reported that their experience at Guest House was critical to their ability to move into the next stage of their lives without returning to criminal behavior. However there are still challenges women face once leaving the Friends of Guest House program. From housing needs and dealing with trauma, to continued legal issues, improving the life of a re-entering woman is a constant battle.

Authors

• Faith Ruderfer, Friends of Guest House

• Kathy Prudden, George Mason University