Navigating the challenges of conducting research in women's correctional facilities

Given the increasing rate of women entering correctional facilities and the health disparities that exist between incarcerated women and women in the general population, it is troubling that so little research has been conducted with this vulnerable population. Reasons for this gap may be due to a lack of knowledge about this population, the overwhelming range of problems incarcerated women face, or assuming that the requisites for conducting research in prisons is insurmountable. The purpose of this presentation is to provide novice and experienced researchers new to prison research with practical information that may help them navigate potential institutional obstacles. Areas of information that will be addressed include: obtaining IRB approval, gaining entry, procedures, rules and regulations in prisons, recruitment and retention of participants, and data collection. This discussion is drawn from the two authors' combined 18 years of experience conducting research in two different women's correctional facilities, one in the Northeast and one in the Southwest region of the United States. Knowing what to expect ahead of time and working collaboratively with other researchers from diverse professional backgrounds will potentially increase the amount of research in this field. A concerted research effort that focuses on women in prison may lead to reformative policies and give voice to these women.