Our Place, D.C. provides gender specific pre- and post-release health, social, and legal services for women from the District of Columbia who are or have been incarcerated. Most women are African-American and mothers. Most have been convicted of drug-related offenses, have histories of drug addiction, alcoholism, mental illness and trauma, violence, and abuse. Estimates of HIV rates are as high as 18 percent. Many have other chronic and life-threatening health problems including hypertension and diabetes. A major program goal is to improve the health status of newly released women and their children by immediately linking them to community health services upon release. The program has developed a community-based infrastructure of health prevention and intervention by training peer educators, providing health education and assessment in prisons, jails, and halfway houses, offering health services on-site in a multi-service center, and collaborating with a community-based health clinic where women and their children receive comprehensive, no-cost, health care.
Learning Objectives: 1)Describe characteristics and major issues for incarcerated and newly released women. 2)Discuss programs and strategies for linking incarcerated and newly released women and their children to treatment and other services. 3)Identify components and partnerships needed in a community-based comprehensive system of care for incarcerated women. 4)Identify barriers to drug treatment services among pregnant women. 5)Discuss policy implications in terms of ensuring a comprehensive system of care for women who use illegal drugs. 6)Identify outcomes for measuring the impact of local programs and policies. 7)Discuss future initiatives and their potential impact on women's services.
Keywords: Access and Services, Vulnerable Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Our Place, D.C.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am the President and Executive Director of Our Place, D.C.