101303: Addressing the Needs of Women in Mental Illness/Substance Use Disorder Jail Diversion Programs

About the Course:

In the past 15 years, the number of women in the criminal justice system has increased 273 percent. Many of these women have multiple problems, including high rates of mental health and substance abuse problems, child rearing and parenting difficulties, health problems, and histories of violence, sexual abuse and resultant trauma. This publication highlights the Phoenix Project in Wicomico County, Maryland—a jail diversion program that focuses on the specific needs of women with severe mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders who have committed misdemeanors or non-violent felonies.

Journal/Publisher:

The GAINS Center

Publication Date:

Summer, 1999

Author

The GAINS Center

About the Authors:

The National GAINS Center for People with Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System is a national center for the dissemination and application of information about effective mental health and substance abuse services for people with co-occurring disorders who come in contact with the justice system.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially addiction counselors, psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about jail diversion programs for women with co-occurring disorders. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify common characteristics of women involved with the criminal justice system.

2. Describe the development of the Maryland-based Phoenix Project.

3. Discuss the key components of the Phoenix Project and the method of being referred to the program.