In 2016, more than 1 million women in the United States were incarcerated, and the numbers continue to grow by the year. And despite not being given adequate treatment while serving their time, their care is further neglected once they re-enter society.
There are several issues formerly incarcerated women tend to deal with, which include financial crisis, lack of employment opportunities, unhealthy social circles, unstable connections with loved ones, and so much more. As such, we have come up with several ways you can support these women effectively transitioning into society.
Identifying Essential Re-entry Needs
Before a woman gets released from prison, those working with her must develop an effective re-entry plan that will ensure that their needs are met and can be followed to ensure their well-being.
Some basic things they will need are a home, clothing, transportation, identification, and employment opportunities to start working and create a source of income for themselves. Further care should be taken when considering their racial backgrounds since they will have systemic barriers or disparate treatment.
Addressing Substance Use Disorders
Currently, opioid misuse has become a significant problem in the United States, and we have been witnessing an increase in women who use this drug.
As such, it is essential to connect women with substance use treatment and services before and after their incarceration so that continued support can help them significantly overcome their substance abuse issues from their roots.
Connecting With Healthcare Services
Incarcerated women tend to have more health issues than incarcerated men, which requires complex treatment to deal with them. Reentering society is stressful and can be especially harsh on their mental health.
If an incarcerated woman has identified her mental disorders, her optimal reentry plan must include a scheduled appointment with a mental health treatment provider as soon as they are released. In addition to that, it is also essential to share their medical history. At the same time, they were incarcerated with their new healthcare provider so that they could plan the most optimal way to help these women address their healthcare issues.
There is still so much that must be taken care of and dealt with to help these women. Fortunately, there are already professionals focused on doing just that. Consider Jamila Davis – a highly acclaimed African American entrepreneur, educator, motivational speaker, author, and prison reform activist who serves as the CEO of Black Women’s Lives Matter and the VIP Online Academy.
As someone also incarcerated, Davis knows how other incarcerated women must feel when transitioning from prison to returning to society. Naturally, the process is not easy, but Davis believes that everyone needs to change the course of their fate with the right mindset.
She developed a self-help curriculum designed to help incarcerated women heal, recognize their potential, and hold power to achieve their life goals. This venture became so popular that it was adopted throughout several correctional establishments in the United States.
She also established Voices International Publications with her mother. It is a publishing company that produces books to inspire incarcerated women to make the most of what they have.