Substance Abuse and Criminal Behavior

16 Questions

What has research repeatedly shown about the effect of incarceration on drug-abusing offenders?

It has no impact on subsequent criminal behavior

What is a major issue with prisons regarding substance abuse treatment?

Most prisons do not offer substance abuse treatment

What is a limitation of programs designed for children of incarcerated mothers?

They exclude some children from visiting their mother

What is a recommended approach to support incarcerated mothers?

Develop support services to assist mothers in adjusting to separation from their children

What is a role that correctional/forensic psychologists can play in supporting incarcerated mothers?

Developing programs to support contact between mothers and their children

Why did programs supporting contact between mothers and children cease to exist?

They were deemed not beneficial or cost-effective

What is a difficulty faced by incarcerated mothers, according to research?

Being separated from their children

What could benefit Annie, according to the text?

Assistance on how to cope with being separated from her child

What is a key aspect of programmatic solutions in correctional facilities?

Collaborating with child development specialists and psychologists

What is a common fear experienced by children when visiting their mothers in prison?

Fear of being in a prison environment

What is a potential benefit of psychotherapy groups for women in correctional facilities?

Providing support for women separated from their children

What is a limitation of current policies for women released from prison?

No set standard for continuing services outside of prison

Why are more comprehensive programs needed for fathers in correctional facilities?

Because fathers are often the sole caretakers

What is a suggested improvement for male correctional facilities?

Improving visitation areas for children and allowing extended child visits

What is a challenge that mothers released from prison may face?

Struggling with someone seeking to terminate their parental rights

What role can social workers play in correctional facilities?

Helping women transition back into their families after release

Study Notes

Incarceration and Substance Abuse

Research has consistently shown that incarceration alone does not alter the subsequent criminal behavior of drug-abusing offenders.
Most women prisoners are substance abusers, but most prisons do not offer substance abuse treatment.
Incarceration without a treatment component does not curb recidivism for offenders who abuse drugs or alcohol.

Programs for Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children

Programs designed to address the histories of abuse of incarcerated mothers are scarce or nonexistent.
Efforts have been made to improve programs for children and their incarcerated mothers, but issues remain unresolved.
Many projects exclude one or more children of the same family from visiting their mother, creating a new set of problems for the family.

Supporting Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children

Incarcerated women have reported that being separated from their children is the most difficult aspect of their confinement.
Support services designed specifically to assist them in adjusting to this separation should be developed further.
Correctional/forensic psychologists can develop programs that support contact between imprisoned mothers and their children.
Programs should allow for extended child visits and overnight visitation.

Implementing Programs

Psychologists can work with correctional staff and facilities on implementing and running programs.
Child development specialists should be involved in the programming to provide a positive environment for children.
Correctional facilities need to develop visitation areas that promote family bonding and help children overcome their fears of visiting prisons.
Psychologists can facilitate psychotherapy groups for women in need of support due to their separation from their children.

Post-Release Support

There is no set standard for continuing services outside of the prison.
Mothers released from prison need assistance with maintaining parental rights and reuniting with their families.
Correctional facilities could have social workers on staff to help these women transition back into their families.

Neglected Area: Programs for Incarcerated Fathers

The development of comprehensive programs for fathers who become incarcerated has been neglected.
In some situations, the father is the sole caretaker, and their children experience the same sense of grief over the loss of the male parent.
Male correctional facilities could assist by improving their visitation areas and allowing for extended child visits.
Policies should be developed to ensure that fathers can maintain connections with their children during incarceration.

This quiz covers the relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior, including the effectiveness of incarceration and the need for policy reforms.

Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards

Convert your notes into interactive study material.