|
|
| Utah women in prison: numbers dropping, programming efforts intensified |
| By sltrib.com |
| Published: 09/01/2009 |
|
The Draper prison was expected to run out of space for women by 2007. Instead, the booming growth rates suddenly leveled off and 50 beds sit empty. Corrections officials are uncertain what exactly has brought the relief, but they're focusing on fending off future booms by making sure when women get out of prison, they stay out for good. Spokeswoman Angie Welling said 65 to 75 percent of released prisoners return to prison at some point. But when they go through some form of programming, the figure plummets to about 30 percent. "We owe it to these women to make sure they have access to the resources necessary to reconstruct their lives," said Craig Burr, director of the Corrections department's Division of Programming. With little help from state funding for the preventative and rehabilitative programs, the department is now leaning on community organizations to bolster life-skills and usher them into crime-free lives. Corrections has combined a smattering of help through an umbrella program called YPREP (Your Parole Requires Extensive Preparation). It allows women to sign up for aid in building resumes, finding housing and getting medical care among other things. Deputy Warden for Prison Programming Lee Liston said it's "heartening" to see the extent of help from the community, especially during an economic downturn. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one organization sending volunteers to help thanks to a federal grant. Liston noted that if there are 180 women in prison, that translates to about 400 children without a mom. Read More. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think