The Dynamics of a Prison-Based Therapeutic Community for Women

Offenders
Retention, Completion, and Outcomes
1. Clayton Mosher
1. Washington State University, Vancouver
2. Dretha Phillips
1. Washington State University, Pullman

Abstract
Research has demonstrated that there is a strong relationship between substance abuse and
various forms of criminal activity and that drug treatment is effective in reducing crime
among substance abusers. Yet, there is a large discrepancy between the number of individuals
in the criminal justice system who need treatment and the number of treatment slots
available. Indications are that women offenders are even more underserviced with respect to
drug treatment than are male offenders. Qualitative data are used here to examine the daytoday operations of a prison-based therapeutic community forwomen offenders, with a
particular focus on external constraints on the community. Quantitative data are used to
examine completion rates and outcomes forwomen in the program, yielding a clear inference
that the program was effective in reducing recidivism among its participants.

women offenders

drug treatment

prison-based therapeutic community