202863 Relationships of resources awareness and service utilization with successful re-entry and re-integration into society among female probationers and parolees in Mississippi

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 3:10 PM

Lovetta Brown, MD, MPH , Office of Health Disparity Elimination, MS State Department of Health, Jackson, MS
Olugbemiga Tanilepada Ekundayo, MD, MPH, DrPH , Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Vincent Mendy, MPH , Office of Health Disparity Elimination, MS State Department of Health, Jackson, MS
Bettye Tyler, MS , Alcohol Services Center Inc., Jackson, MS
Joyce Buckner-Brown, PhD, MHS, RRT , Division of Adult and Community Health, National center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA
  
Background

In 2006, over 5 million adults were under probation or parole in the U.S. In 2007, 5,052 Mississippi women were on probation and 427 on parole, (46.28% and 37.24% black respectively) (http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/Research). Women were less aware of resources/services and tended to utilize services than men (La Vigne and Brooks, 2005; O'Brien, 2001; Richie, 2001). Successful re-entry and integration require awareness of resources and services and service utilization (Golembeski & Fullilove, 2005; Solomon et al, 2004). We examine awareness of resources/services, service utilization and successful re-entry/re-integration among female probationers/parolees in Mississippi.

Methods

Using non-probability convenience sampling, 667 female probationers and parolees completed a 37-item, self-administered questionnaire through the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Relationships between awareness of resources/services and service utilization were analyzed in relation to current employment and income (SPSSTM 16.0).

Results

Data indicate that resources/services awareness and utilization of services had significant impact on employment and income. Black female probationers and parolees were less likely to utilize available resources and aware of resources/ services than whites.

Learning Objectives:
1. List the parameters of successful re-entry for female probationers and parolees; 2. Describe the relationship of awareness and utilization of services on employment and income; and 3. Discuss racial differences in psychosocial behaviors among female probationers and parolees.

Keywords: Prison, Parolees

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Medical Director of Office of Health Disparity
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: The Experiences of Incarcerated Women: Implications for Intervention and Re-entry
See more of: Women's Caucus