202946 Relationship of family social support and race with successful re-entry and re-integration into society among female probationers and parolees in Mississippi

Sunday, November 8, 2009

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
Lovetta Brown, MD, 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 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). It is not clear whether race has any effects on family social support and successful re-entry (La Vigne and Brooks, 2005; O'Brien, 2001; Richie, 2001). Successful re-entry and integration require family social support (Golembeski & Fullilove, 2005; Solomon et al, 2004). We examine family social support, race and successful re-entry/re-integration among female probationers/ parolees in Mississippi.

Methods

Using non-probability convenience sampling, 667 female parolees and probationers completed a self-administered 37-item questionnaire through Mississippi Department of Correction (MDOC). Family social support (current living arrangement, and marital status) and race were analyzed with current employment and income (SPSSTM 16.0).

Results

Data indicate that family social support and race had a significant impact on employment and income. Black female probationers and parolees were less likely to be employed and living with a significant other than whites.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the parameters of successful re-entry for female probationers and parolees; 2. Demonstrate the relationship of family social support and race by income and employment; 3. Describe the impact of social services support utilization and race on successful re- entry; 4. Identify racial differences in psychosocial behaviors among female probationers and parolees

Keywords: Parolees, Family Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Associate Professor, Jackson State University
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.

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