A Quantitative Analysis of Gender-Responsive Substance Use Programs and Reentry Outcomes in Women Under Community Supervision

• In Event: Gendered Dimensions of Substance Use, Trauma, and Criminal Justice Policy

Abstract

Women involved in the criminal-legal system are known to have unique profiles of risk, challenges, and needs, resulting in the development of gender-responsive correctional and rehabilitative interventions. While evaluations of gender-responsive programs have reported favorable outcomes, such work has generally been limited to direct comparisons to gender-neutral programs. However, gender-responsivity exists on a spectrum and to date, little consideration has been given to the degree of gender-responsivity. Using an adaptation of the Gender-Responsive Program Evaluation Assessment (GRPEA; Covington & Bloom, 2008), the present study will consider how the degree of gender-responsivity present in substance abuse treatment programs completed by 260 women under community supervision in Michigan relates to a number of supervision outcomes identified as highly relevant to women offenders. Specifically, substance abuse, mental health, and socioeconomic outcomes are assessed. Findings hold implications for substance abuse treatment for women involved in the criminal-legal system.

Authors

• Allison Auten, Michigan State University

• Merry Morash, Michigan State University