Author(s):

Rowan-Szal, G. A., Joe, G. W., Bartholomew, N. G., Pankow, J., & Simpson, D. D.

Published date:

07/03/2012

Increasing numbers of women in prison raise concerns about gender-specific problems and needs
severity. Female offenders report higher trauma as well as mental and medical health
complications than males, but large inmate populations and limited resources create challenges in
administering proper diagnostic screening and assessments. This study focuses on brief
instruments that address specialized trauma and health problems, along with related psychosocial
functioning. Women from two prison-based treatment programs for substance abuse were assessed
(N = 1,397), including one facility for special needs and one for regular female offenders. Results
affirmed that admissions to the special needs facility reported more posttraumatic stress
symptoms, higher rates of psychological stress and previous hospitalizations, and more health
issues than those in the regular treatment facility. Findings supporting use of these short forms and
their applications as tools for monitoring needs, progress, and change over time are discussed.