Women In Government Actions

A recent report by the Women’s Prison Association shows that there are over 97,000 women in American prisons today. Women In Government has focused several conference segments on parenting in prison as well as unique issues that women in the correctional system often face, and addressed the issue in 2005 at our Southern and Eastern Regional Conferences. 

Conference Materials This link provides detailed information regarding the segments related to women in the criminal justice system at recent Women In Government conferences.          

A Sample of 2005 Related Legislation

California Assembly Bill 658: Would require the Department of Corrections to develop a pilot program that creates expanded incarceration options for nonviolent women offenders. This bill would require the director of the department to appoint a deputy director of women's programs to oversee that pilot program and the development of reforms that effectively address the risks and needs of women inmates and their children.

New Jersey Assembly Bill 198: Would establish a Commission to Examine Strategies for Strengthening Familial Bond Between Children and Incarcerated Parents.

Note: Women In Government provides sample legislation as an educational resource, and does not endorse any specific piece of legislation.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Corrections: An agency within the US Department of Justice which provides an extensive online research library on issues surrounding corrections. Additionally, NIC offers personal research assistance for correctional policymakers, practitioners, elected officials, and others interested in corrections.
• Women’s Prison Association: A service and advocacy organization committed to helping women with criminal justice histories realize new possibilities for themselves and their families.
• Women & Substance Abuse
• Domestic Violence