Providing Educational Programs for Female Prisoners

Providing Educational Programs for Female Prisoners

Toward the end of the twentieth century nearly 84,000 women were incarcerated in a state or federal correctional institution within the United States (Gillespie 91). Currently “the number of incarcerated women has exploded within the last twenty years” (Davis 79). After serving their sentence, leaving behind a life composed of bars, guards and time to reflect upon their crime. Most female offenders are released only carrying a few items of clothing, personal items, memories and good luck wishes from their fellow inmates. While beginning a new chapter of their life, they are reintegrated among the world. Within a small time period they are expected to find employment and live a life acceptable to society. However for several ex-convicted females the simply task of finding a job can become an obstacle. When they lack an education or the skills needed to find a suitable job (Gillespie 105). This is why well developed female educational programs are essential and necessary to return better functioning women and mothers to our society by offering an education, job preparation and the opportunity for personal growth.

In today’s world when considering the fundamentals of success, education is a major component. Through education a person becomes able to explore the various opportunities available to them. Practically fifty-seven percent of females who enter the prison system haven’t received a high school diploma or a GED (Gillespie 93). Studies indicate that approximately sixteen percent of female inmates have earned a GED while incarcerated (Lehand 49). Prison education programs present many female inmates with the second opportunity to receive an education. With the average female inmate being functionally illiterate or learning impaired. These programs also strengthen inmates reading and writing skills. By applying applicable readings to their own personal situations and interest, these programs allow female inmates to engage in the critical thinking process. With a large amount of female inmates reporting to be chemically dependent, abusing drugs or heavily intoxicated upon arrest (Gillespie 92). Another small percentage of female inmates tested positive for the HIV virus. Health education prisons programs provide an overview of current health issues and problems that appear in our society. At the same time they gain knowledge on how to protect themselves focusing on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (Davis 80).

Nearly forty percent of female inmates reported to be unemployed along with another thirty percent dependent upon the welfare system (Gillespie 93). Female inmates lacking a trade are able to complete programs which teach them a profession. These programs provide effective job preparation and allows for immediate entry into the workforce after being released from prison (Lehand 49). There are various vocational programs offered at different correctional institutions. Programs offer include but are not limited to various fields such as cosmetology, dry cleaning, upholstery, office services and etc. With some programs offering inmates state and federal certification, they are able to enter the workforce immediately. By providing instructors that are capable of teaching the required information, administering and proctoring the exam (Lehand.49). Through these programs female inmates learn basic communication skills. Teaching female inmates how to effective transfer information with their co-workers, supervisor and even customers.

The opportunity for personal growth is provide by increasing female inmate’s sense of worth and providing a feeling of security. A sense of ownership and increase value of self-esteem is developed through the various programs offered in correctional institutions for women (Lehand 49). With a large amount of female inmates having low self- esteem as a result of women experiencing more physical, sexual and emotional abuse in comparison to man.